THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES • WHITEWASHING JULIA •?&&& WHITEWASHING JULIA AN ORIGINAL COMEDY IN THREE ACTS AND AN EPILOGUE BV HENRY ARTHUR JONES THE MACMILLAN COMPANY London, MACMILLAN & CO., Ltd. 1905 AM Rights Reserved Copyright. 1904 BY HENRY ARTHUR JONES Set up and eiectrotyped. Published September, 190J THE MASON PRESS SYRACUSE : NEW YORK PERSONS REPRESENTED Mr. William Stillingfleet, brother to Lady Pinkney. Mr. Samways, the Shanctonbury lawyer. The Hon. Edwin Pinkney. The Hon. Bevis Pinkney. Charlie Dobbs. Griggs Mr. Elkington. The Mayor of Shanctonbury. Julia (Mrs.) Wren. Lady Pinkney. The Hon. Mrs. Bevis Pinkney, the Bishop 's daughter. Trixie Blenkinsop, the Bishop's niece. Mrs. Chayton. Miss Fewings. Mrs. Benbow. Rosie Benbow. Meade, Julia's maid. Bryant, Lady Pinkney's maid. ACT I. Scene — The Refreshment Tent in the grounds of the Bishop's Palace at Shanctonbury on the day of the Annual Bazaar and Fete in aid of the fund for Curates. Time— June. ACT II. Scene — Morning-room at Mrs. Wren's, The Mount, Shanctonbury, on an afternoon in August, two months later. ACT III. Scene— Drawing-room at Lady Pinkney's, The Hall, Shanctonbury, on an evening in the following Jan- uary . THE EPILOGUE. Scene — The Refreshment Tent on the Palace grounds, two years later than the first act. Note — Owing to the length of time required to strike and set the respective scenes, the Epilogue may be omitted in representation. The following is a copy of the play-bill of the first per- formance of " Whitewashing Julia": Garrick Theatre, London Monday Evening, March 2nd, 1903 at 8. jo WHITEWASHING JULIA An Original Comedy in Three Acts By Henry Arthur Jones Mr. William Stil- lingfleet . . Mr. Arthur Bourchier Mr. Samways (the Sh'ctonb'y lawyer) Mr. Charles Groves The Hon. Edwin I'in-kney . . . Mr. Sam Sothern The Hon. Bevis Pinkney . . . Mr. Kenneth Douglas Charlie Dobbs . Master Charles Warren- Griggs . . .Mr. Albert Sims Julia Wren . . Miss Violet Vanburgh Lady Pinkney . Miss M. Talbot The Hon. Mrs. Bex- is Pinkney (the Bishop's daughter) Miss Anne Mildmay Trixie Blenkinsop (the Bishop's niece) Miss Ethelwyn Arthur Jones Mrs. Chaytor . . Miss Kate Sergeantson Miss Feutngs . . Miss Hilda Rivers Mrs. Benbow . . Miss Dolores Drummond Rosie (her daughter) Miss Elfrida Clement Meade (Julia's maid) Miss Freda Bramleigh Bryant (Lady Pink- ney's maid) . . Miss Margery Fane ACT I. The Refreshment Tent in the grounds of the Bishop's Palace at Shanctonbury on the day of the Annual Bazaar and Fete in aid of the Fund for Curates. Time— June. ACT II. Morning Room at Mrs. Wren's, The Mount, Shancton- bury, on an afternoon in August, two months later. ACT III. Drawing Room at Lady Pinkney's, The Hall, Shanc- tonbury, on an evening in the following January. ACT I Scene— The Refreshment Tent in the grounds of the Bishop's Palace at Shanctonbury on the day of the annual summer bazaar and fete in aid of the curates' fund. The tent is of whitey brown linen and takes up the whole of the Stage. At back arc plants and (lowers, pt in the middle, where there is a recessed opening with entrances from both sides. An opening left. Along the right side is a o >unter i t refreshments con- taining tea and coffee urns and appliances : light refresh- ments, cakes, sandwiches, buns, and all materials for afternoon tea. The refreshments are rather meagre, Shd not very temptingly displayed. Stacks of clean and dirty plates and cups, disordered table cloths, refrigera- tors, buckets, cans, etc., in confusion at back, giving the impression that the fete is nearly at an end. A chair and high stool in front of the counter. Bas- ket seats down stage, left, with a small refreshment table close to them, with cups, etc., upon it. Time — Half-past five on an evening in early June. A band is playing in the distance. Discover Lady Pixkney, a lady about fifty-five, behind the counter attending to cups, etc. Mrs. Chaytor, about thirty, enters very quickly and excitedly at back. Mrs. Chaytor. Yes ! It was Julia ! (Look- A I 2 WHITEWASHING JULIA act i ing off.) She has gone into Mrs. Blenkinsop's tent. What will Mrs. Blenkinsop do? Lady P. I was lunching at the Palace yester- day. Both the Bishop and Mrs. Blenkinsop say it will be impossible for us to know Mrs. Wren unless the Homburg scandal is cleared up. Mrs. C. It's very awkward for me. I didn't see much of Julia during my poor brother's short married life; still she is my sister-in-law, and I can't not know her. And yet I can't know her — can I ? Lady P. I wish we could learn the truth of the Homburg affair. Samways is her cousin and her lawyer, and he must know all a1>out it. Mrs. C. Of course Samways knows all about it, but he always avoids the subject. When I got Julia's letter saying she was having The Mount done up I went to Samways and explained that if she came back to Shanctonbury she would place me in a very awkward position. Lady P. What did Samways say ? Mrs. C. He asked me what I meant. I said of course I meant the scandal with the Duke of Savona. Then he asked me what I had heard. I told him I had heard what everybody else had heard. Then he asked me what everybody else had heard. I said everybody had heard all about the puff-box, and the dressing-bag, and the tor- act i WHITEWASHING JULIA 3 toiseshell comb, and — wasn't there a lace dressing jacket? Lady P. I believe there was. Did Samways offer any explanation ? Mrs. C. He said the Duchess of Savona was a madly jealous woman, and that no doubt she had placed the articles there herself, on purpose to make out a case against Julia. In fact Samways pooh-poohs the whole affair. Lady P. I'm afraid its just one of those affairs that can't be pooh-poohed. And now 'Bevis has married into the Bishop's family, I sup- pose everybody in Shanctonbury will take care that I don't allow it to be pooh-poohed. .Mrs. C. What do you intend to do? Lady P. I shall send for Samways to-night and make him tell me the whole story in confi- dence. Then I shall decide whether I know Mrs. Wren, or whether I do not. Enter left opening Miss Fewings, a lady about thirty-five, a little faded and sour. She has an umbrella in her hand. Miss F. (Excited) . Lady Pinkney, that woman has actually come to the bazaar. And I'm sure her dress must have come from Paris. And she has dared to go into Mrs. Blenkinsop's tent, and ask the price of some little blue pinafores that I worked myself! The Bishop only just escaped 4 WHITEWASHING JULIA act i her by passing out at the back. And in my hurry to get away from her I caught my umbrella and tore this hole in it! {Showing the umbrella.) My new umbrella! (Standing it against the table left.) Lady P. Did Mrs. Blenkinsop speak to her ? Miss F. Luckily Mrs. Blenkinsop was serv- ing, so she was passed on to Miss Lane, the new school-mistress, who doesn't know Mrs. Wren's history. Lady P. Do any of us know Mrs. Wren's his- tory ? Miss F. Dear Lady Pinkney, I gave you the whole story just as I had it from my aunt — the puff-box. the dressing-bag, the tortoiseshell comb and — the other affair. My aunt was in Homburg only a month after the scandal, when everybody was full of it. Enter at back Bryant, a ivoman-scn-ant, bring- ing a fresh supply of cakes, hot water, etc.. and a dish of very tine large strazebcrrics which she puts on the counter. Mrs. Chaytor goes up to back and looks off. Bryant. I've brought the things, my lady; and there's a dish of very fine strawberries that Griggs was saving for dessert to-night. But he thought you might like them here. Lady P. Very well. Bryant. We shan't have act i WHITEWASHING JULIA 5 many more customers. (Taking out her watch.) Quarter to six. Leave those things on the counter. We will attend to anyone who comes. Bryant. Yes, my lady. (Exit Bryant at back.) Mrs. C. (looking off at back on the opposite side). Julia has just come out of Mrs. Blenkin- sop's tent, with a boy carrying some large parcels. Miss F. My little openwork pinafores! Lady P. My dear Caroline, she can't possibly -wear them herself. ( Taking out telegram and giv- ing it to Miss FEWINGS.) Here is something that may interest you. From my brother. Miss F. ( Takes telegram, reads it.) From Mr. Stillingfleet ! He's coming to Shanctonbury to- day ! Oh, Lady Pinkney, how can it interest me? (Giving back telegram with a little confu- sion.) Lady P. (taking back the telegram). My dear Caroline, I've always felt you were wrong to refuse Bill. Miss F. Perhaps I was! But at that time — Lady P. Oh, I know he was up to his ears in debt. Miss F. I wasn't thinking of his debts. Lady P. You mean his conduct. Yes. (Sighs deeply.) I'm afraid Bill has been a very shocking rascal. Miss F. Do you think he has reformed? 6 WHITEWASHING JULIA act i Lady P. He ought, by this time. He's over forty. Miss F. I think I should be more inclined now than I was to look over any little — manly weak- nesses. Is he making a long stay at Shancton- bury ? Ladi P. He has finally given up his post at Constantinople, so I've asked him v here until Pinkney returns from Australia. Now think the matter over. And on my side, I shall lose no chanc lull know that he still a chance of I . respectable member 'ciety. Mi— F. Thank you — I'm sure you won't com- promise i: Enter at left opening the Hon. Mrs. Bevis Pink- Ni th straight dull sandy ha ;:. lustn . thin I and a til rrect manner. She is her husband, the HON. I'.iais PlNK- N: nty-Ave, xvith a p h, author- itative, and somewhat clerical manner. > Lady PiNKNEY ). My dear mother, will have to take up an exceedingly firm atti- le with regard to this lady. Lady P. What has happen* Mrs. D. The "lady" paid our stall the honour of a visit. Mamma was selling a large red coun- act i WHITEWASHING JULIA 7 terpane, so that protected her. Then the "lady" had the audacity to come up to me and ask the price of some little blue pinafores. 1.7 si. exclamation from Miss Few [ngs. > Lady P. I hope you charged her extra on ac- count of her antecedent Mrs. B. I simply declined to see the "lady." I merely took up a 1 -' woollen gaiters :i the counter, and studied them. Bevis. Your behavi< >ur was admirable, Sophia. 1 u:Il take can . and l*m sure my mother will I care, tl are not SUl lich a disagree- able experience in the future. Can I have a cup of Mrs. I ". . 1" a fi sh cup. . hind the 1 for Mr and Mb is i Mrs. B. {■>. strawberries). What lovely strawberr: - ! That reminds me — poor Mrs. r Lady P. < laler? Mrs. B. The new curate's wife at Saint Rade- gonde's — last week — you've heard, I suppose? Lady P. Yes. Her eighth, isn't it? Mrs. B. Her ninth. I believe. I promised I'd call after the bazaar. May I take her these straw- bt . 8 WHITEWASHING JULIA act i Lady P. Certainly, my dear. Her ninth? Take her some cream as well. Mrs. B. Thank you. (To Mrs. Chaytor.) Will you put these strawberries and cream in some place where they won't get sold or eaten? Mrs. C. (taking up the strawberries and cream). Yes! Let me see ! (Looking about.) I'll put them here under the counter. (Placing them under counter.) Nobody will get at them there. Mrs. B. Thank you. I'll call for them after the bazaar, and take them to poor Mrs. Gak-r. Bevis. Ah ! What a contrast Mrs. Galer pre- sents to the other lady. Lady P. To Mrs. Wren? Yes, one has a scandal with a foreign royal duke, and the other has nine children to a starving curate. Very care- less, foolish women, both of them ! I don't know which is most to blame ! Bevis. {reprovingly). I'm sorry you regard this as a subject for a jest. (Mr. Sam ways puts his head in at back, a)id is about to withdraw. He is an old-fashioned country lawyer, about sixty-five, dry, shrewd, clever.) Lady P. (seeing him). Ah, Mr. Samways ! Don't go! You're just the person we want. Samways (cojni)ig in reluctantly). How d'ye do, Lady Pinkney? (Shaking hands.) act i WHITEWASHING JULIA 9 Lady P. So your cousin, Mr?. Wren, is back in Shanctonbury ? Sam ways. {Uncomfortable). My second cousin ! Yes, poor dear girl. Bevis. Are you aware if she intends to remain ? Sam ways. Well — yes — perhaps for some time. Bevis. Not under your advice, I trust? Samways {getting more uncomfortable). Well — I'm afraid I am in some measure respon- sible. When she consulted me, I said, "My dear Julia, of course everybody understands your nat- ural delicacy " Bevis. Delicacy ? ! Samways. "In staying away from Shancton- bury and your old friends, while these stories were • being freshly circulated. But now that three years have past, and nobody belie\es them " Mrs. B. Nobody believes them?! Samways. Nobody who knows the circum- stances. Lady P. But, Samways, who does know the circumstances ? (Samways looks very uncomfortable.) Bevis. Has Mrs. Wren taken any steps to re- fute these stories? Samways. No, no — she came to me three years ago, and asked me what to do, and I said "Do? Nothing! Remain perfectly silent. Your own reputation is a sufficient answer." io WHITEWASHING JULIA act i Mrs. F. Nobody's reputation could be a suffi- cient answer to the puff-box, and the — the — other articles Samways. Oh, pardon me, Miss Fewings. I'm sure your reputation would be a sufficient answer; and I humbly trust that my reputation would be a sufficient answer to any puff-box. Lady P. Then you honestly believe, Samways, that these stories against Mrs. Wren are false? Samways. ( Most uncomfortable.) My dear Lady Pinkney, I am Mrs. Wren's legal adviser, as I am yours, and Lord Pinkney's. {Gaining as- surance as he goes on.) And I can only say that were any defamatory story circulated against you, or against any lady here present, I should defend you all with the same conviction of your inno- cence {catches Mrs. Bevis's eye and falters), that I cherish with regard to — a — this very dear, and I will say this very much injured lady. (Glanc- ing out of the tent opening.) The weather seems a little threatening again. {Moving to get out of tent.) Lady P. (calling him back). But, Samwa; you must see it's impossible for us to receive Mrs. Wren until we know the truth of this business. Samways. Certainly ! And if I can be of any use (Going off at back.) Lady P. (calling him back). Are you engaged for dinner to-night ? act i WHITEWASHING JULIA u Sam ways. Xo — at least Lady P. We shall expect you at eight, and you shall give us the correct version of the whole affair, and set our minds at rest. And then I hope we shall be able to take this very dear, and this very much injured lady to our hearts and homes again. (Sam ways looks very uncomfortable.) At eight then ? Sam ways. Delighted — delighted. (Exit, very uncomfortable, at back.) Miss F. Samways means to help her to wriggle out of it. Bevis. We must take care she doesn't. We must insist upon evidence. Mrs. B. I really don't see the need for evi- dence when one has already made up one's mind. Miss F. Quite so. Evidence merely confuses and unsettles one. It's so much better to have a firm, steady conviction from the first, and never change it. Enter, at back, Trixie Blexkixsop, a bright, ex- citable girl of about seventeen. Lady P. My dear Trixie, how is it you have left vour stall ? Trixie. Sold out ! There was such a pretty woman in pale blue came and bought up all my rubbish. Miss F. (to Lady Pixkxey). Mrs. Wren! 12 WHITEWASHING JULIA act i Trixie. Yes, that's her name ! I did stick on the prices at first. You know that awful green antimacassar thing (Stops, seeing Mrs. Bevis's face.) Mrs. B. Mamma worked that ! Trixie. Yes, I know she did. But because she's your mother and my aunt doesn't make her antimacassars not awful. It is awful! And I rooked Mrs. Wren out of two guineas for it. I rooked her over heaps of other things; but when I saw what a nice dear thing she was, my better nature prevailed, and I owned up I'd been swin- dling her. And she forgave me, and I promised I'd go and have tea with her on Sunday. (General consternation. Lady Pixkxey silences the others with a gesture.) Trixie. What's the matter? Lady P. Nothing, my dear. How was it that were at your stall alone? Your cousin incing at Mrs. Bevis) and my son Edwin were to take charge of you? Trixie. I had a furious row with Sophie, and worried her back to her mother, didn't I, Sophie? i Appealing to Mrs. Bevis, zelw pulls her- self up ami disdains to notice Trixie.) Lady P. And Edwin ? Trixie. Teddy sloped as soon as the bazaar was opened. act i WHITEWASHING JULIA 13 Lady P. Teddy deserted you ? Where can he have gone? (Glancing at Bevis.) Bevis. We may be quite sure that wherever Teddy is, it is somewhere he ought not to be ; and whatever he is doing, it is something he ought not to be doing. Lady P. Did your aunt see you serving this very charming lady ? Trixie. No, I had a furious row with auntie just after lunch, and she told me not to see her or speak to her again all day. (Lady Pixkxey turns with a gesture of despair to Mrs. Bevis.) Mrs. B. {to Lady Pixkxey). She's simply unbearable ! (Miss Fewixgs, who has been looking off at back, suddenly shows great alarm, conies to Lady Pixkxey, d razes her hurriedly aside and whis- pers something. Lady Pixkxey shows considerable perplexity for a moment, then makes a soothing ges- ture to Miss Fewixgs. Bevis comes up to her as if to inquire. Lady Pixkxey makes the same gesture to him. Miss Fewixgs and Mrs. Bevis go to back and look oft.) Lady P. Trixie, the raffle of the unsold things 14 WHITEWASHING JULIA act i is about to begin. (Taking out purse.) Will you take six tickets for me ? Trixie. All ri.L, r ht. Lai iv P. There! (Giving her money.) B iSj please take Trixie over to the raffling tent Trixie. I know my way. Lady P. (authority Bevis! (Miss Fewings comes back to Lady Pinkney with renewed alarm. Lady Pinkney quiets her. Bevis is /vy- paring to escort Trixie off at back. Miss Fewings makes a little worm n.) Lady P. Bevis, I think this is the nearest way. [Indicating left, with a little look at I'.i \ [S, Be> Is the curtains open r Trixie to %o out. Exit Trixie, left Bevis You see it will be necessary to take a very firm attitude towards Mrs. W'ren. i Exit, left, after Trixie. The ladies look at each other, and there is a pause of expectation; they stand in some- what constrained attitudes. M Fewings advances on tiptoe to back opening, glances out, makes a sign to them, suddenly withdraws herself, stands rigidly indignant. Mrs. Ciiav- S is behind counter, takes up a dish act i WHITEWASHING JULIA 15 of cakes, and is absorbed in arranging them geometrically. Lady Pinkney calmly sits dozen. Mrs. BEVIS stands at the corner of the table, left, her nose very high in the air, intently gazing at nothing, periodically tapping the table with her middle finger. ) After another little pause of expectation, enter, at ck, JULIA WREN, a lady rather under thirty. :e is very tastefully but quietly dressed ; she always perfectly self-possessed, but never ob- trusive or aggressive; her voice is never raised; she has soft, winning manners, and a pleasing, Mattering, deferential air which has nothing in it of humility or subservience. She stands for a moment, quite self-possessed, but as if a little puzzled. Julia. I beg your pardon. How d'ye do, Lady Pinkney? ( With a little bow.) Lady P. {Boies stiffly.) How d'ye do? Julia (cordially, to Mrs. Chaytor). Ah, Geor^ina (With a more cordial boze.) Mrs. C. {coldly). How d'ye do, Julia? Julia. I thought I could g;et a cup of tea — but (to Lady Pinkney) perhaps I'm too late? Lady P. Xo, I think not — there is still a little tea left, isn't there? (Appealing to Mrs. Chaytor.) 16 WHITEWASHING JULIA act i Mrs. C. (looking into the teapot). Yes — but nearly cold Julia. I prefer it not too warm. Mrs. ( \ And verj strong. Julia. I like it rather strong. Mrs. C. (looking into teapot). But it's really quite stewed Julia. I'm so thirsty, I don't mind its being stev. ( Mrs, Ch \y i.'R pours out tea with angry ocquiesa Ch \ui.ir. Do of fifteen, enters at back, burde array of parcels, very badly tied up, as if by amateurs. Julia. Oh, I meant leave them outside; at least, utside) I'm afraid it's going to rain. Lady Pinkney, may I leave my parcels here for a few moments 1 m>v P. By all n JULIA Put them there. Oiarlie — didn't you say your name was Charlie? Charlie. Yes, Mi Julia. Th< re's a shilling for the raffle, Charlie. Come and fetch the parcels when the raffle is over. Charlif.. ( »h, thank you. Mi — . (Hi s at her with great admiration, deposits the parcels at back — looks at act i WHITEWASHING JULIA 17 her again with great admiration, and as he goes off at back, throws a very languishing look at her unseen by any- one. I Julia. I should have been so sorry if my pur- chases had got wet I've bought some very sweet things — three of the dearest little blue openwork pinafores I little choking gulp from Miss Few- INGSj who has been standing rigid and indignant at back, with a firm resolu- Hon to hold her ground. She n \nces indignantly at Julia, i marches off at back, making a sig)i to Mrs. Bevis to follow her. | Mrs. C. < behind counter, handing tea to Julia). There's no cream, and that's all the milk JULIA. Thank you. {Taking tea.) That will be quite sufficient Mrs. B. Lady Pinkney, I'm not wanted here any longer, am I ? Lady P. Xo, my dear, we shall get no more victims to-day. ( Mrs. Bevis goes off at back, nose in air, making a sign to Lady Pinkney to follow her. 1 Lady P. (to Mrs. Chaytor). I'll leave you to finish up here. B iS WHITEWASHING JULIA act i Mrs. C. Very well. I'm coming in a moment. (Julia bows to Lady Pinkney as sht going off at back.) Lady P. I Returns the bow.) Arc yon making a long stay in Shanctonbury? Julia. A few weeks perhaps. I vdy P. You made some purchases of the Bishop's niece. Miss Tnxie BlenkinsOp, I believe"" JULIA. A few trifles. What a charming girl ! Lady P. You think so? I understand she has thoughtlessly invited herself to tea whh yon. Julia. She wished to conv Lady P. Trixie has been left to servants, and she i> quite spoilt She is here to study under the Bishop's chaplain. I'm sure you won't en- courage her t nything against Mrs. Blenkin- sOp'- wish Julia. Indeed no. Pray assure Mrs. Blenk- insop I shouldn't dream of having her niece to tea without her consent. Lady P. Thank yon. I hope you'll have pleasant weather for your little stay in Shancton- bury. (Bows very slightly and goes off at back. MRS. CHAYTOR has remained distatit and cold behind the counter. ) Julia. You're looking wonderfully well, Georgina. (Mrs. Chaytor takes no notice — act i win n:\v.\SHiNG julia 19 pause.) I've been a week at the Mount, and you haven't called. Mrs. C. My dear Julia, how could I? (Very curtly.) Do you want any more tea? Julia. No, thank you. How's Frank? Mrs. C. Mr. Chaytor is out in Australia with Lord Pinkney, looking after the new estate. Julia. I hope he's quite well. Mrs. C. Quite well. Julia. And yi iur m< ither? Mrs. C. {curtly 1. Quite well. Julia. And my poor old Curly-Locks? Mrs. C. Quite well — No, Curly-Locks is dead. He got very mangy, and we had him poisoned. I must really be going. It you want anything more, will you help yourself? ( G off at back.) JULIA. But I haven't paid Mrs. C. You can leave a shilling on the counter. (Going off.) Julia. Is anything the matter? Mrs. C. Matter? I wrote you if you came back to Shanctonbury you'd be cut by everybody. And you can't imagine how embarrassing it is for me. Julia. My dear Georgina, if it's embarrassing for you, what must it be for me? Mrs. C. But what caused you to return? Julia. I was tired of wandering about. The 20 WHITEWASHING JULIA act i Mount has been empty for two years ; I couldn't let it; I couldn't sell it; and I couldn't afford to let it stand empty any longer. I came back to Shanctonbury because I'd nowhere else to go. Mrs. C. You've made a false step. It isn't that I'm strait-laced. I would willingly receive you, but in this world we musn't be guided solely by our own feelings. We must think of others. Julia. But — you received me three years ago. Mrs. C. That was before the puff-box. Of course before the puff-box we were ajl willing to shut our eyes and believe the best — especially as he was royal. Julia. But since the puff-box — ? Mrs. C. Well it was a most unfortunate dis- covery (SAMWAYS enters rather cautiously, left. ) Ah. Mr. Samways, 1 was just telling Julia — Now, my dear Julia, take my advice — stay a few days longer, don't seem to hide yourself — you might come to church, and so on, and then — go quietly away to some nice place on the conti- nent, and stay there. I'm speaking for your good. (Going off at back.) Julia. But you surely don't believe these stories about me? Mrs. C. My dear Julia! (Exit at back.) (Sam ways watches her off, then looks at Julia, pulls a long face.) Samways. Well — what did I tell vou? act i WHITEWASHING JULIA 21 Julia. But have you explained to them ? Sam ways. No, my dear. Up to the present I've carefully avoided explanations, but I've got to dine with Lady Pinkney to-night, and Julia. That will give you a splendid oppor- tunity, won't it ? Sam ways. Opportunity to do what? Julia. To prove to them — how unfortunate I've been. Sam ways. Yes — yes — But (looking sternly at her over his spectacles) how do we get over the puff-box? Julia. The puff-box? Sam ways. And the other things? Julia. You can't expect me to remember all the details ! Sam w ays. Xo, but broadly speaking the ques- tion is this — Do we own up to the puff-box, and render some more or less satisfactory explanation of it? Or do we deny the very existence of the puff-box? Is the puff-box a myth ? Julia (falteringly). Well — a — what do you think? Sam ways. (Impatient.) What do / think? Julia. You're a lawyer. You surely don't expect me to teach you your business ? Sam ways (getting more impatient). My dear Julia, do let me explain to you once for all the nature of evidence WHITEWASHING JULIA act i Julia. Xo — please don't — my poor brain could never take in all your legal technicalities. Samways. But if I'm to defend you, and get Lady Pinkney to take you up again, I must know what line to take. Now give me the exact par- ticulars. Julia. I have given you the exact particulars — more than once. Sam ways. Yes, but the exact particulars have never been quite the same. Now let us make up our mind once for all what the exacts particulars are. Julia. Suppose Samways. Yes? Julia. Suppose I had a perfect answer to all these insinuations, but for urgent reasons my lips w<.-re closed. 'What would you advise me to do? Samways. I should advise you to open them. Julia {reproachfully). I see you don't believe in me ! Samways. Yes, yes I do. What is the nature of this evidence that you can't reveal ? Julia. {After a pause, mysteriously). Do you know anything about morganatic marriages? Samways. Not much — why? Julia. ( Mysterious — resigned. ) Nothing ! It doesn't matter. Samways. Morganatic marriage? It won't act i WHITEWASHING JULIA 23 do, my dear girl ! It's absurd — impossible on the face of it. Julia (reproachfully). You don't believe in me ! It's hard when one's own relations don't believe in one. (Beginning to cry.) Samways. Come — come — don't cry. But now — this morganatic marriage? Julia (mysteriously). Have you any law- books on the subject of morganatic marriages? Samways. I dare say I have. ,' Julia. Will you kindly lend them to me? Samways. Yes, but can't I sift the whole thing out for you ? Julia. No. (Sad— resigned.) I'll try and puzzle it out for myself. I'll send my maid for the law-books to-night. (Looking at watch.) I suppose I'd better put in an appearance at the raffle. (Going off at back.) Samways. But, Julia, do let me clearly under- stand Julia. Don't ask me any more. My lips are closed. (Exit at back.) Samways (calling after her). But — Julia — ( Makes a gesture of annoyance.) Good Heaven ! How is it that women can never understand the nature of evidence ? Bevis Pixkxey enters, left, very furtively, and 24 WHITEWASHING JULIA act i with some alarm, which he tries to conceal on seeing Sam ways. Samways. Anything the matter? Bevis. (A little confused.) Xo. (Samways is going off at back.) Samways Samways. Yes. Bevis. If I wished to consult you Samways. Certainly Bevis. (Glances furtively left.) It doesn't concern myself Samways. Whom does it concerrf? Bevis. A dear old Oxford friend of mine Samways. Yes Bevis. Are you busy for a few moments? Samways. Xo. Go on. Bevis. This friend of mine call him Brown while at Oxford was betrayed into a friendship with a very undesirable young woman, and in his desperation he came to me Samways. Yes? Well? Bevis. Seeing that the poor fellow had been led away I promised to help him Samways. In what way ? Bevis. To a pay the crirl and her mother handsomely, and get them out of the coun- try. I arranged the matter for him and got them away to Melbourne. act i WHITEWASHING JULIA 25 Sam ways. What then? Bevis. I've just caught sight of the mother — possibly the daughter has returned also — it would be a terrible blow to ray friend if these women were to turn up again. Sam ways. Was there any result in Brown'> friendship — with the undesirable young woman? Bevis. Result ? No Samways. Then what's disturbing you ? Bevis. Nothing. I merely wondered whether these people have any possible claim upon my friend. Samways. Have they any letters of Brown's? Bevis. No — not a scrap. Samways. Did he make the girl any promises — before witnesses? Bevis. No. He was most careful. In fact, I believe she doesn't know his real name. Samways. Then Brown has nothing to fear so far as I can see. Bevis. Thank you. You may imagine this is a most unpleasant business for anyone in my posi- tion to be connected with. Samways. Yes — to be sure. Bevis. On the whole, however, I think it has been of some benefit to me ; as it has taught me to be very strict in all such matters. Samways. Naturally. (Going towards left WHITEWASHING JULIA act i Bevis makes a little movement of ml him. ) Sam ways. Where did you see the woman? Is she outside now ? (Bevis makes another movement of -.MWA-, Ah! B irmed. ) What Samways. Bill Stillingfle l'.i vis. M> un< his /ni»: I |,,\\ arc J m« hack ! 1 h >\\ I >u ? Mk. William Stili rs left — a hat mat m i r forty Ah. my d . how u? kMWA\ hands i 1 ' ill, Bevis, my dear lad, Bevis Q te well, than Stiu Bevis, D usual. My brother and I have nothing in common. Still Let me sec, you were married a ( month- My congratulations! Ybu must present n . Bi is, I : Perhaps I may as well prepare you - LL. No bad news. I hop Bevis. Xo. But — everything was very lax at act i WHITEWASHING JULIA 27 tla- Palace in the old Bishop's time. My father- in-law. the present Bishop, and my mother-in- law, Mrs. r.knk have inaugurated a totally new rigime. Si ill. Ah ! Not lax. eh ? r.i.vis. No, on the contrary. I needn't we're delighted I u — ill. Thank you. Bevis. You're going to stay some months with ns. Still. Well — yes — it the new ii.:mc is not too — too bracing. BeviS • 'i' course I don't wish to remind you of certain incidents that occurred during your for- mer visit Shanctonbury '• Still. Well then, don't remind me. Ki.yis. Incidents I'm Mire we all wish to buried ill. I'm sure we do — nobody more than myself. We'll bury them straight off, shall In fact we'll cremate them ! (Sam ways has g( ne to refreshment unter and has helped himself. He inds behind Bevis chuckling at Stillingfleet and enjoying the lec- ture. ) Bevis. In all serious: --. uncle, in all sincer- ity, in all friendliness. I hope you'll allow me to give you a word of advice. 28 WHITEWASH I NT, JULIA act i Still. ( ; trds him). Certainly! Bevis. You may think me presumptuous ii. l. Nol I'm sure from the tone you're taking, you're actuated bj nuine desire my welfare — aren't you? I it! B via I am ii tLL, I v. :' it. N ) on ! If 1 ma) give you a caution, which j must a! in inc ated them some minim sible ii. i- M) . when yon cremat thinj have d ith it. D raking an In an to a hat alter indard that i ■ Shanctonbury. Still. I will ! I anxious to improve other people's morals than I am. haven't changed, uncle. I'm ': find your present a very congenial or Ixit at bac Still, That clammy young basn't altei in the least How has the elder one turned out? act i WHITEWASHING JULIA mwavs. Teddy? We've had a terrible time with Teddy. Still. You mean the dancer? mwavs. Yes. Teddy would insist on mar- rying the K' r '- VVe had the devil's own jo; • them — at \:\A Lord Pinkney dragged Teddy off to Australia, and I squared the girl with five thousand pounds, five thousand gold sovereij l.i.. '1 tin, isn't he? tiwAYS Yes, Poor Teddyl 1 like him! "there's no vice in Teddy — he's only a damned silly sentimental id. The Hon. Edwin Pinkney h red in ak, man about th.irty. Sam w AYS is m* Teddy. Yes, 1 heard that, Samways. were talking about : lmways :.'.'v disconcerted.) No — I — a TEDDY. ( >h yes yon were. I recognized the scription. MWAVS. I'm V'. TV. Teddy ( pott S \mwavs on the shoulder cor- Don't you fret about that, Samways. good to hear the truth about ourselves sometime-. - \ mwavs makes a pro' ipologetic : re to Teddv, who turns to Stil- 3 o WHITEWASHING JULIA act i LINGFLEET. SaMWAYS tJ\Cn grins at Stilungfleet behind Teddy, and goes off at i Teddy. < To Stilungfleet.) Ah. Un Bill, 1 h ? ml. I [ow are you. Teddy? i Shak ng hand Teddy. I'm rathei nt I'm aw- fully glad you're back again. Still. Thank you. Teddy. You've come just in time to help me runt ol the avalanche. Still. Avalanche — of what natui Maternal and fraternal, with paternal rumblings in the distaxi Still. >rry — what's the matter? Ti ' id a blazing time of it, Uncle Bill, in your lit'' - ill. II' >\\ — blazing Teddy. With the ladies, I mean. You've gone through In I rows, ind cus- sedness, and misfortunes mi. Yes — I Sigh Heap- 1 Heaps, Idyl I ) Wish I'd got them all to go thri >ugh again ! Teddy. I wish you'd got my lot to go through. ill. Tell me. Teddy. Thanks, awfully. You don't know- how the old lady rags me — And Bevis I act i WHITEWASHING JULIA 31 holy horror. Bevis. I tell you. Uncle Bill, when I look round on my brother Bevis and all this Shanctonbury gang, I begin to turn towards social democracy. Still, < >h, it can't be as bad as that, Ted Teddy. Yes. (Maunders on.) Well, the • before last I proposed to a certain young lady — she was a singer and dancer. I won't saj she all she ought to have been, but I proposed to her. like an honourable man. 11 1.. But that's all past and done with? Teddy. < >h yes. The governor and old Sam- ways squashed it. and married the gal to a riding- master. Since then she has eloped with a book- maker. So I was jolly well out of that, eh? Si .1 1.. Lool - like it— at the first blush. ddy. Well, the rnor carted me off to Australia till folks here 1 tie talking about it — 1 hope I'm not ' Li.. Not at all. Teddy. Thanks awfully. I knew you'd sym- pathize with me. That's what I want, sympathy — a little human sympathy ! And I came to you because you being a bit of a black sheep yourself, eh? Still. Well — whitey brown Teddy. You know, I think we black sheep ought to sticl; together, and help each other over WHITEWASHING JULIA act i the stile. Well, I got back from Australia three month> ago Still. What happened then ? TEDDY. The old lady didn't kill the fatted calf for me, I assure you. Still. She didn't? Teddy. No. 1 f it had been Bevis now — but Teddy? Oh dear no! No fatted calf for poor Teddy ! S ill. Xo fatted calf for poor Teddy, eh? Teddy. Instead of trotting out the fatted calf, she tr< ts out a Miss Trbrie Blenkinsop, the Bish- . and Teddy is expected to fall down and worship the little beast and marry her. What does Teddy say to that? Teddy. No, thank you. Bevis has married a Blenkinsop. ' >ne Bevis and one Blenkinsop are enough in any family. Besides (a little shyly), coming over in the boat from Australia there was such a hands Jrl — STILL. What?! Teddy! you haven't com- mitted yourself again? Teddy. No! No! Still. Who is this jolly girl ? Teddy. Well, some folks might think her a bit of an outsider ; but she appeals to me. Still. How — appeals to you? Teddy. Well, she appeals to me — she — ap- peals to me. act i WHITEWASHING JULIA 33 Still. What are her people? Teddy. She's only got a mother. The mother ain't exactly a jewel of the first water. Still. Teddy, this won't do! I've not been quite a pattern, as you know. But I think I may say I've always managed to keep on the right side of thru very fine line. Teddy. What very fine line? Still. The very fine line that divides the things a gentleman dues do from the things he doesn't do, the things he leaves outsiders to do. You'll one day be the head of an old family. Keep on the right side of the line, Teddy. Teddy. But have you ever been in love. I nele Bill? Real downright, what you may call all- devouring lo\ Still. Scores of times ! Teddy. ( Turns away disgusted.) I asked for a little sympathy. (Going off at back.) Hush I The old lady ! You won't tell her? Still. No, Teddy, but Teddy. Honour ! Hush ! Enter, at back. Lady Pixkxey. Lady P. ( I 'cry cordially. ) Ah ! my dear Bill, I'm delighted! Don't go, Teddy! (Teddy is sneaking off, at back.) Still. Ah, Madge, my darling! (Kissing c 34 WHITEWASHING JULIA act i each other very cordially.) I'm very, very L,dad to sec you. Lady P. Teddy, where have you been all the afternoon? Teddy. I've been — ruminating. Lady P. But you were told off to help the Blenkii it their stall ? Teddy. With Trixie Blenkinsop? Thank you. I told n;\ self off to scuttle. Lady P. They're all waiting for you at the raffle. Teddy. ( >h, very well. Til go, % but I've had just about enough of this Blenkinsop bevy. I ;n to s >h, for a lodge in some vast wil- dern< ss !" (Exit sulkily, at back.) Lady P. That wretched boyl What shall I do with him? If only Bevis had been the elder! You're earlier than you expected. H.I.. The express was pulled up at Fatter- sham, so I caught that, took my traps up to the I ; and the}- sent me on here. Well, Madge, you're looking wonderfully young and charming. Lady P. It must be my troubles and worries that preserve me. I hope you haven't come to add to them. Still. ( >nly with a view of making you still younger and more charming. Lady P. Xo, Bill, I don't want any compli- ments. ( Taking out her watch. I The Bishop's act i WHITEWASHING JULIA 35 address begins in five minutes, but I'll give you a short one, meantime. (Half serious, half jest.) Now, Bill, 1 sent for you to come to Shanctonbury because I trust you're going to settle down at last into a steady, respectable member of society. You're well over forty. Surely we're not going to have any more escapades ? I've trouble enough with my boys — what with the impossibility of be- in,^ severe enough to please Bevis, and easy-going enough to please Teddy, my life is a burden to me. Pinkney is still in Australia, and his steward, Chaytor, is with him; so all the business of the estate falls on me. And I assure you that, how- ever fond I am of you, and however much you may stand in need of my watchfulness. I've no time now to look after you, and keep you out of mischief Still. My dear Madge, as you say, I'm over forty, and I really believe I am now arriving at an age when I shall soon be able to take care of myself, and keep myself out of mischief. Lady P. I hope so. That reminds me — we're likely to have something of a scandal in Shancton- bury Still. Indeed! Lady P. Mrs. Wren has come back. Still. Wren? Lady P. Oh, you weren't at Shanctonbury during the time 36 WHITEWASH IXG JULIA act i Still. No. Never met her. Wren? Wren?! What, the Duke of Savona? The puff-bo Lady P. Yes. Now, Bill, promise me you won't meet her! Still. ( >h. I won't Now that was a most interesting affair. Cat of a woman, the Due' of Savona. I hear she worried the poor Duke into his _L, r ravc Lady P. Xo — he died of German measles. .^,ill. I should like to know the real history of that puff-box Lady 1'. Samways is dining with us to-night; he's coming on purpose to explain the whole affair. And I've asked Caroline Fewings. ill. Poor Carrie! u remember I proposed to Carrie five years ago? Lucky es- cape — I mean for her! Lady P. I don't think so. Caroline has seven thousand a year. Now Bill, think what comfort it would be to us if you would a Still. Marry Carrie Fewinj Lady P. Well, I don't wish to be premature; but you have six months before you while Pink- ney is away. Virtually you will be the head of the family. What a chance to employ these six months — in Still. In — what? Lady P. In reforming yourself generally — guiding my boys act i WHITEWASHING JULIA 37 Still. I will. I don't mind doing any amount of general reformation, and as for guiding your boys — why only five minutes ago I discovered myself giving the very best advice to Teddy. Lady P. What about? Still. His low affairs. Just a word — keep a very sharp look-out on Teddy. LADY P. Bill I Surely — he hasn't taken up with another of them? Still. I mustn't say, but — keep a very sharp look-out on Teddy. Lady P. There's another of them! I feel sure there is 1 i . / school-bell rings in the dis- tance. ) What can 1 do with that wretched, wretched boj ? There's the bell for the Bishop's address. Will you come? Still. I don't feel particularly in need of spir- itual refreshment, but bodily — I haven't had any lunch. (Looking amongst the things on refresh- ment counter). Lady P. You'll find something there ! (Bell rings again). I must go. Dinner at eight. (Turns back as she goes off at back.) (Very imperatively.) Bill, remember you are not to know this Mrs. Wren! Still. (At refreshment counter.) Of course not. (Exit Lady Pinkneyj* back.) Of course not! 38 WHITEWASHING JULIA act i (Busies him U refreshment counter, eating a morsel or two. Charlie enters left with to the r he I; iously left, and >is tying them together.) Still, (eating a bun). Heyl Heyl Some- ing a buster in aid of the curates. Whose parcels art- those, my la Is following him left: as she is Stilung- 11. 1. 1 .r makes a little start and stops kei Still. A — I beg your pardon — you've left your umbrella 1 / to the umbrella Miss FEWINGS has left against the table left.) Julia. No — thanks — it isn't mine (Exit, left. Stillingfleet shou's slight annoyance, and then creeps jauntily up to left entrance to look after her, but just as he gets there, she suddenly returns, purse in hand and there is a pause of great embarrassment between them.) Julia. I beg pardon Still. I beg pardon Julia. I've just remembered that I haven't 40 WHITEWASHING JULIA act i paid for a cup of very bad stale tea that I had. They told me the charge was a shilling, and that I v. '.cave the money on the counter. (She takes a shilling out of her purse, places it carefully on the counter, :.;i turns ami 'ft- ) ILL. I'm afraid I'm open to the same charge of forgetful; ess. I've had two biscuits, half a stale bun, and a f -our lemonade. Can you help me to estimate my Liabilities Julia. I'm afraid I can't But in the cause of charity, one cannot he l • haritable. off le Still (stopping her). A — may 1 ask who •>- this -tall ? Julia. Lady Pinkney, 1 Still. My Julia. Your sister? You are Mr. Stilling- II c< Still. 'N (Julia I cry slightly and goes off left. He again follows her up, but just as he to the opening there is a little clap of thunder, and Julia rushes back with a little scream. ) Still. You're frightened? Julia. ( >h. no. A little startled. I'm afraid it's going to rain Still (looking off). I'm afraid it's going to act i WHITEWASHING JULIA 41 pour. Hadn't y< >u better wait for a few minutes? (Plating a chair for her near the table left. Julia sits demurely. He goes to refreshment counter and again looks amongst the refreshments, oc- casionally turning around to glance at her. 1 Still. I think that's a very fine sentiment of yours JULIA. Sentiment"' Still. "In the cause of charity one cannot be too charitable." If 1 leave live shillings on the counter, shall 1 have risen to the occasion, do you think ? Julia. It would be most generous. I should say. (Stillingi-ll.lt takes out his purse and counts fire shillings, laying them care- fully on the counter next to hers. The rain comes pelting down on the out- side of the tent.) Still. I told you it was going to pour. Julia. We are fortunate to be under shelter. Still. Yes. (Pause of embarrassment. He nibbles a bit of bun and turns around to look at her with admiration.) I can't congratulate my r on the quality of her refreshments. Julia. Xo? S till. You said your cup of tea was very bad. WHITEWASHING JULIA act i Julia. Horrid! And I had such a headache! Still, (sympathisingly) . A headache! Now I wonder if it would be possible to .u r et you a cup of fresh tea ? ( Going around to back of counter. > Julia. ( At table. ) I am a little thirsty. But pray don't trouble — perhaps there's a little fruit? Si ILL. I wonder where these people keep their rve stock. ( Looking under counter — rum- maging about, suddenly exclaims.) Ah! Ah! I Triumphantly brings >>ut the dish of strawberries I cream. ) Julia. What very fine strawberri Still. Yes, and so early in the season. (Plac- them on her l Now! Sugar? ( Tak- ing sifted sugar fr<>ni counter. ) And then — char- ity will begin at hi >-. Julia. I haven't tasted strawberries this sea- • . ill. (, . himself.) Neither have I. JULIA. Shouldn't one wish ? Slill. I suppose one should. (Pause.) I I ve you wished? Julia. Yes. Have you ? Still. Yes. | The rain cones pelting dozen.) I hope you haven't very far to go. Julia. Some little distance. I live at The Mi >unt Still. < >h. Then you are Julia. I am Mrs. Wren. act i WHITEWASHING JULIA 43 Still. Oh — Oh — (Pause of embarrassment.) That's a very fine one. (Pointing to a large strawberry.) Julia (taking it. ) Thank you. But you're eating none yourself. That seems to be a ripe one. STILL, (taking it.) Thank you ! But (Pause of embarrassment. The rain comes dozen in torrents outside. Miss Fi v. i ngs appears at back, left, as if she had just concluded a run for shelter. She is about to enter, but stops indignant on seeing the pair eat- ing the strawberries. She stays a moment watching the scene, and then goes off indignantly on the opposite side, unnoticed by Stillingfleet and Julia.) Still, (looking at Julia very admiringly.) You were saying — (Pushing the strawberries towards her.) Something about charity, wasn't it? Julia. How very little true charity one meets with ! Still. Very little indeed. Julia. By charity, I don't mean mere money giving Still. Xo — Xo 44 WHITEWASHING JULIA act i Julia. I mean looking over our neighboui faults Still. Yc — shutting to his little failings :.i.\. Yes — refusii mymalicio that may be circulated about him, or her — ill. Now that's very large-hearted of j Julia. In fact, my definiti i I true charity this — "N rely re: believe idle scandal, but even to listen to it [ ment" harity. .'. win rip- the world ? \. Ah Why is it that people put the worst inter- little — unfortunate occur- Still.Ii hu- •: natur That's a littli v. Julia. < 'h. please — no more ILL. Some kind Ughtful soul must have placed tl. I r you. Julia. You think so? Then you must help me eat them ! Sn H hat we were talking about? act i WHITEWASHING JULIA 45 Julia. We were trying to account for the ab- sence of true charity in the world. Si ill. 1 1 "> lamentable! Why is it? Julia. I think sufficient allowance is not made for temperament Still. Decidedly sufficient allowance is not made for temperament. [*ve alw It that Julia. Nor for the peculiar circumstances in which <>iK- may happen t«> be placed. Still 1 • that too — very strongly. Julia Now I know a dear little woman who went on a summer trip t.> Norway Still. Yes her si Julia. * >n a yacht Still ( m a yacht Julia, X". thank you 1 . < >h. you must indeed. Yes, "■ little woman who went to Norway — on a yacht JULIA. I'm sure from her character she was absolutely incapable ^i the least indiscretion Still. Absolutely incapable! Julia. But circumstances seemed to point the other way — and — g — ip (with a sympathetic shrug and gestu h ) it broke her heart. Still. Shameful ! 1 Eating a strawberry. ) 46 WHITEWASHING JULIA act i Julia. Yes, quite broke her heart. She In in Paris now. Still. Poor little creature! < Eating another strawberry. > JULIA. I believe some time ago, some good- natured friends actually started some absurd story about me. [mp ssible ! Julia. It is quite true. [LL I begin to be ashamed of m Julia. I never t'»>k the least notice of it. ill. Much the best w JULIA. I merely let it die a natural death. I ■ lite right ! Julia ( rising. > I think the rain has left off. left, looking off. Mrs. Bevis and Miss Fewings look in at back ht, a>:J watch. ) ILL. No — {looking oft). I U raining a little. i.ia. ( >h. it won't hurt, and I must really be getting home Still. Musi i? It's still spotting. Ah! Miss Fewings' umbrella.) Here's an umbrella. Now I wonder who is the owner of this — at any rate we'll borrow it. and — shall I see you across to the school-room? Julia. ( >h. I'm taking you out of your way — Still. Not at all act i WHITEWASHING JULIA 47 (Opens the umbrella and takes her off very p .'.tely left. Miss Fewings and Mrs. Bevis come down, drenched through, and with dra petticoats — Mrs. Bevis comes up to the empty plate of strawberries, holds it up. ) Mrs. B. Mrs. Galer's strawberries! (Miss Fewings goes towards left. makes a feeble little gasp and clutch after STILLING! U .'' JULIA.) Miss F. My new umbrella ! RTAIN. (Tu :ths pass bet:, lets 1 and 2.) ACT II S( ! - Morning i mat Mrs. Wren's, The Mount. Shanctonbury. A prettily furnish "i in an w window at back* giving I showing beyond a imall n with rig. A «i- >< »r up \ ■ • inked with Sowers. A with chain n which ar Id volui right, with a large lien antii; arm. The • jf dain: ttily furnished, nick-n:; Time— An >n, about i erjvu of ternoon dress, sea <• • vet the law books; ltly puzzled. '.i \ i rea "h ble in any Christian state for an;. in, whether royal or not, to contract a marriage which shall I 1 in law, and at the same time leave such p free to marry again while the first husband or wif still living. 48 act ii WHITEWASHING JULIA 49 {Turns, puzzled, to another book, sighs and looks worried. Trixie Blenk- insof has sidled into the window from the garden on the left side, stands there as if afraid to come in.) Tkixii:. I'm here, Mrs. Wren. JULIA. Trixie! When I told you never to come lure again unless Mrs. Blenkinsop knew. Trixie. Sh< w that I'm h mm.) Julia. (Astonished.) Wl ( Jumps it Tkixii:. ) Trixie. And my uncle knows, too. Julia. (Asi Th< -hop knows : have come I ! (Overjoyed.) My dear Trixie! 1 K her.) How did you man- it? Tkixii:. Well, I was determined to come a see you. You know you can generally get what you want if you 1 nl) go on my plan. Julia. What is your plan? Tkixii:. ( >ur old nurse taught it to me. She said to me, "My cherub"— to call me her cherub — "My cherub." she said, "if you want your way in this world you must let folks see that yon mean to scratch first 1 showing her nails), and scratch hardest, and scratch longest, and then folks generally won't scratch you at all. (Tri- D 50 WHITEWASHING JULIA i n umphantly showing her nails.) Nobody ever scratch' - i Julia. But you didn't scratch Trixie. Auntie? Yes — figuratively. I be- gan with having a furious row with her. Julia. My dear Trixie, you can't go through life having furious rows with everybody Trixie. Oh, I love it! Then aunt had h terics, then uncle came in. then I had won terics. I can always have hysterics when it's nec- U know Julia. Well? Trixie. Well, I worked poor old auntie up, and I v. ■ myself up, and uncle lifted up his hands, like this {lifting up her hands ). and looked .r injui lamb, and aunt . and I got v. "ill I had rate tit, and I shrit ut, "I can't help it I IV to The Mount to see Mrs. Wren, if I die for it!*' m. Julia. ( /'. \'y.) I'm very sorry and very angry with you. i Turns from Trixik, scats herself at table. Trixie comes up to her coax- ;:.) No, Trixie. You know how much I U, but 1 can never see you, or speak to you in. Trixie. Dear Mrs. Wren. (Trying to embrace Julia.) Julia. Xo. Please don't ! What will your act ii WHITEWASHING JULIA 51 dear aunt think of me? What will the dear Bishop think of me? They will think I encour- age you to come here. Trixie (trying to embrace Julia ). Dear Mrs. Wren ! Do forgive me ! Julia. I don't think I can. Unless — you Trixie. Y< Julia. Go back to the Palace at once, and tell your aunt that 1 was verj angry with you for com- ing against her wish, and that 1 sent you hack to beg her pardon Trixie. Beg her pardon! No, if I once 1' her pardon 1 shall never he able to do anything with her in future. Julia. Very well. Then our friendship is at an end. Gooddj\ e. i Trixie goes sulkily »/» to window, then suddenly rushes back to Julia.) Trixil. I will beg her pardon if you'll kiss me, and say you forgive me. Julia. (Kisses her.) I forgive you. Xow go at 01 (Trixie goes to back. ) Julia. And. Trixie, you might tell Airs. Blenkinsop how very pretty her green antimacas- sar looks on my sofa Trixie. (Has a fit of laughter.) Oh, I say! (Exit at back.) Meade, a parlour maid, enters at door announc~ ing Mr. Sam ways. 52 WHITEWASHING JULIA act 11 Enter Sam ways. Exit Meade. - \.\i\VAVs. Ah, my dear girl ! How are you? Julia. I'm very well — except — (Looking at the laze books.) lMWAYS. Have you found anything there? i Pointing to the laze books.) JULIA. Xo. The laws relating to morganatic marriages are in Mich a muddle. Xot one o; them seems to meet my c. Sam ways. < With a little sniff of incredulity. ) No, I dare say not {Shutting up the laze books. ) Give it up. my dear Julia. The Duke of Sa\ already married. Now listen — where is it? Ah! {Reading from one of the books.) "A morganatic marriage does not differ from any Other. It is a legal marriage, and contracting any other while it stands is bigamy." {Shuts the with a bang.) Bigamy] JULIA. Yes — of course. I wasn't thinking of that kind of morganatic marriage. Samways. Drop it. my dear Julia! You'll get into very deep water if you don't. Julia. But I'm in very deep water already. I've been in Shanctonbury over two months, and nobody calls on me. Samways. Nobody? Julia. Only Mr. Teddy Pinkney and Mr. Stil- ling:"! eet. act ii WHITEWASHING JULIA 53 Sam ways. Lady Pinkney is going to call on you. Julia. Lady Pinkney ! When ? Sam ways. To-day. I've just got wind of it, and hurried up to warn you. Julia. Warn me? Sam ways. There's a very strong faction against you in Shanctonbury, headed by the Bevis Pinkneys. I've saved the situation for you as tar as I could. But it's getting out of my hands. Julia. What ought I to do? S \mu ays. Lady Pinkney is coming here with a fixed resolution to get at the truth. If you mean to live in Shanctonbury, I should tell her all about it. Julia. The puff-box? Sam ways. Yes. Dish it up as well as you can, but tell her the complete story, or at least a complete story. Julia. (Looks lo)igi)igly at the laze books which Sam ways is getting under his arm.) Even if there had been — I won't say a regular morga- natic marriage — but (looking anxiously at him) something — equivalent to a morganatic marriage? S a m w a y s. (Sharp, relentless.) When? Where ? Civil or religious ? Who were the wit- nesses? Julia (reproachfully). I see you don't be- lieve in me. 54 WHITEWASHING JULIA act ii Enter Meade, Meade. (Announces. ) Lady Pinkneyl (Sam ways catches up his hat.) Julia. You won't run away Enter Lady PiNKNEY at door. Julia. (Advances cordially.) Dear Lady Pinkneyl Bring some tea, Meade. ( Exit Meade.) Lady P. (shaking hands cordially). My dear Mrs. Wren, how d'ye do? Ah, Mr. Samways. (Nodding to Samways.) Julia. It's so kind of you to call. Won't you i Wheeling armchair for her, making cushions, etc., comfortable for her.) There ! I Lady PiNKNEY sits.) Cousin Tom, you aren't goh 5 \mways. (Has collected his law books and is sneaking off.) Well — I Julia. Sit down. (Makes Samways sit. Samways is very uncomfortable.) I was begin- ning to think my Shanctonbury friends had for- gotten me. i Seating herself next Lady Pixkxey.) Lady P. Oh no, dear. I'm afraid we've been thinking and talking a great deal about you. (Samways fidgets.) Julia. Then I'm sure you've been thinking act n WHITEWASHING JULIA 55 and saying all the kind things you possibly could. Lady P. Well, dear, perhaps it wouldn't be wise to repeat all — especially before (Glancing at Sam ways.) Julia. I've no secrets from Cousin Tom — 1 was just consulting him on an important point of law, wasn't 1, Cousin Tom? Sam ways. Yes Lady P. Indeed ! Julia. It seems that on this particular point, the law itself is in a perfect chaos, isn't it? (Taking up one of the books and looking to SAMWAYS for encouragement. ) Sam ways. (Looks blank and impassizw) Yes Lady P. What is this particular point? Sam ways. {Jumps up.) Dear me ! Julia. What's the matter? Sam ways. I've got a town council meeting. I Ye kept them all waiting. Lady Pinkney, please excuse me. Julia, my dear, about that point I'm sure you'd better leave it until I've ascertained what the law really is. Julia. You think my lips had better be closed ? Sam ways. Certainly, on that particular point. Not one word about it ! Good-bye, Lady Pink- ney. Good-bye, my dear ! Must go! Must go! (Hurries off at back.) Lady P. (Watches him off relieved.) Ah! 56 WHITEWASHING JULIA act ii ( Turns to Julia with a very determined manner.) Now, my dear Mrs. Wren. I'm going to ha\ little quiet friendly talk ( drawing her chair closer to Julia) on a matter of vital importance to you. Julia. Yes Lady P. So I'm sure it's much better for to be alone. Enter Meade with tea things, which she puts on table, left. Julia. Yes. We women understand each other so much better than men understand us, don't v. (Lady PiNKNEY shows annoyance at Me U'l.'s presence, i Julia. You'll take some tea, won't you? Lady P. Yes. if you please. lancing at Meade.) Julia. For genuine sympathy woman must always go to woman. There is, or there should be a kind of freemasonry between us Lady P. Yes (Looking at Meade.) It won't be necessary for her to wait, will it? Julia. Oh, no. Leave the tea things, Meade. (G tea table, left. Exit Meade, left.) I always prefer to pour out my tea for my visitors. (Lady PiNKNEY drags her chair up to Julia.) (Julia pouring out.) act ii WHITEWASHING JULIA 57 This is a very delicate blend of Lapsang and Kaisow. Lady P. Lapsang and Kaisow. Thank you. Very little milk. Julia. One lump or two? Lady P. One small lump, please. Julia. I always take one small lump. Lady P. Now to return to our conversation. You are surprised your old friends haven't called upon you? JULIA. I did think it a little unkind. By the way, I must tell you I'm not responsible for Mr. Edwin Pinkney's visits here. Lady P. (Upset.) My son Edwin has been calling upon you ! Julia. Yes — three times in all. You didn't know ? Lady P. Xot a word. (Is much upset.) I think it most inconsiderate of him Julia. I told him so. And I asked him as a favour to me not to call again unless you knew. Lady P. Thank you. Edwin is a great trial to me Julia. He has a very sweet nature Lady P. He has simply no sense of what is due to our position Julia. He does seem to stand in need of a little firm tender guidance. Now if you could only bring about some suitable attachment 58 WHITEWASHING JULIA act n Lady P. Yes, yes. {Hurriedly changes the subject.) May I ask how Edwin became ac- quainted with you ? Julia. Mr. Stillingfleet presented him to me after the service at Saint Radegonde's a few Sun- day mornings ?go. Lady P. [Annoyed.) Ohl I heard that my brother had been calling upon you — rather fre- quently ? JULIA. No — no — not too frequently. lie's fond of botany like myself. LADY P. 'Astonished.) Botany?! ;.ia. Wildflowers. Lady P. Wildflowers?! My dear Mrs. Wren — now do Kt me warn you — in the strictest confi- dence, my hr<»ther is a most charming man, and I'm • nately fond of him Julia. And he -imply . you ! Lady P. Y. s, yes — but for your own sake let me beg you not to encourage his visits here. JULIA. You think Mr. Stillingfleet is not — not quite a nice acquaintance for me? Lady P. Well. I won't say that. But he is simply the most erratic impossible creature where .en are concerned. I'm speaking solely in your interests, solely for your good Iulia. I'm sure you are! Lady P. Now please let my brother plainly act ii WHITEWASHING JULIA 59 understand that he will not be welcome here in the future. Julia. Certainly, if you wish it. But I've so few friends Lady P. Yes, and that brings me to the object of my visit. Now, my dear (drawing her chair closer to Julia in a very determined way.) I'm sure \ t >u w< >n't mind my speaking to you in the very plainest way Julia. Dear Lady Pinkney, I wish it. What's the use of having friends if they shirk their duty of showing you your faull Lady P. Yes, yes. Now do you intend to remain in Shanctonbur} ': Julia. I've not quite made up my mind Lady P. Because, if you wish to leave Shanc- tonbury, I think I could find you a very desirable tenant for this house. Julia. How good of you ! Lady P. Miss Fewings finds her little place too small, and she would pay you a very hand- some rental, and take a long lease. Julia. Dear Miss Fewings! Will you thank her, and say she shall have the first refusal, if I do leave Shanctonbury ? Lady P. Eut you're not sure? Julia. Not quite. Lady P. Because, my dear, now I'm going to be frank — if you don't leave Shanctonbury, the 60 WHITEWASHING JULIA act ii question arises, Do you intend to remain as yon are, outside all your old circle, outside our pleas- ant little society, such as it is. in your present very uncomfortable position? For I imagine it is a very uncomfortable position. Julia. ( »h. very uncomfortable, I assure you. J'.ut ['ve made the pleasantest little overtures to everybody. There's the new Bishop — he hasn't gle word with me LADY P. My dear, you must own it would be impossible for the l'.ishop to know yqu at present Julia. Why? If I'm half as wicked as some people try to make out, surely I'm the very person whom the Bishop ought to kn LADY P. Spiritually, perhaps Julia. Well, "spiritually" would do. I don't wish to make nice distinctions. Lady 1'. It's not a question of knowing you spiritually. It's a question of knowing you socially. We are all willing to know you spiritu- ally, and to give you the best advice, and Julia. And cross my name off your visiting . and cut me when you meet me, and talk all sorts of scandal about me when I'm out of sight. I beg your pardon. Lady Pinkney — I didn't mean to say that. But I'm sure you will see that I'm really not a woman to be known spiritually — in that sense. That must remain a luxury for the lower classes. You can give them a tract and act ii WHITEWASHING JULIA 61 send them into an institution. But you can't quite do that sort of thing with me, can you? I must be known socially, or not at all. Can I give you another cup of tea ? Lady P. Xo, thank you. It's delicious tea. What blend did you say it was? Julia. Lapsang and Kaisow. Lady P. Lapsang and Kaisow. Where can I get some? Julia. My tea merchant blends it especially for nie. I'll write him to send you some. LADY P. Thank you. but really Julia. Oh, quite without prejudice, as the lawyers say. Lady P. But to return to our conversation — Julia. Yes. 1 think my old friends, and you amongst them, have treated me very shabbily. L.\i>v P. The matter lies in your own hands. Julia. How? (Getting apprehensive.) Lady P. I've not the least curiosity. I don't wish to pry into your affairs. But (very firmly, drawing her chair a little closer) you must be aware that certain stories are afloat — Wouldn't it be better to answer them ? Julia. In what way? Lady P. Give me the true history of the whole affair. Julia. I hope you don't think that I haven't a sufficient answer to all these canards. 62 WHITEWASHING JULIA act ii LADY P. Oh, I'm sure you have. What is it? Julia. (Is fumbling the laze books.) Well, very important question of law had arisen — Lady P. What question of law ? Julia. You heard Mr. Samways advising me to say nothing So you see my lips are closed. Lady P. But this is not a question of law. This is a question of fact. Julia (getting embarrai What? Lady P. ( / } raws out a piece of paper from her ,.- | I took the precaution before coming here to obtain certain definite particulars about — a — Well, my dear, you know it i- alleged — with what truth I don't know — hut it 1 that cer- tain articles wer vered in very compromis- cireumstanccs — There was a dressing-bag — ami a puff -box I believe it v. I that the ng- had my initials — that is quite false. I ,i>\ P. And the puff-box — i Long pause.) — you do see the m of telling me, don't you? Ilia, ('lives — a Lady P. The puff-box ? Julia. Perhaps I'd better begin at the very beginning — Lady P. Certainly. Julia. When I arrived at Venice in May, eisrhteen-ninetv-nine. I was introduced to a most charming act ii WHITEWASHING JULIA 63 Enter Meade, showing in Mr. Stillixgfleet. Meade. (Announcing.) Mr. Stillingfl< Enter Stillingfleet. Exit Meade Still. (Enters.) Ah, good afternoon. I — a — (Shows great confusion on see 1 . sn\ 1 'in k- ney.) Madgi (Recovering himself.) I thought I might catch you here Lady P. You thought you might catch me here ? Still. Yes, dear. I've some news for you — Lady P. News? What? Still. One moment, till I've paid my respects to Mrs. Wren. How d'ye do? (Shaking hands cordially.) Julia, How d'ye do? I'm delighted to see yi >u — won't you sit d< iwn ? Still. Thank you. I've called to tell 5 about that little a that and I'm really pleased to find my sister here. I know she has been intending to call for some time, hut she is so busy, aren't you. Madge? What with the estate and her poor people, she's always employed. I Patting Lady Pinkney on shoulder.) Never happy unless she's doing some kind thoughtful little neighbourly action like this Oh, don't deny it. my dear (To Julia, patting Lady Pixkxey. ) The kindest and dearest creature in the world. Well now, I wonder if I might beg a cup of tea. 64 WHITEWASHING JULIA act ii Julia. (Goes to tea table.) Certainly. Lady P. {Severely.) You said you had some news for me. Still. Yes. The prodigal has returned. Lady P. Edwin? Still. Pitkin, the under-gardener, says he caught sight of him outside the Railway Hotel. Lady P. Edwin at the Railway Hotel? Still. Pitkin wasn't quite sure. Lady P. It's impossible. What should Ed- win be doing at the Railway Hotel? • i Julia gives tea to Stillingfleet.) - itll. Thank you. Enter MEADE with It : tray which she brings to Julia. Meade. The messenger is waiting for an answer. Julia. {Takes it.") Will you allow me? (Opens it, lias a slight start, shows sur- prise and perplexity, reads it again; glances at Lady Pinkney and Stil- lingfleet.) Julia. Where is the. messenger? Mi »e In the hall, ma'am. Julia. (To Lady Pinkney.) Will you ex- cuse me a minute ? {Exit Julia with letter, follozced by Meade.) act ii WHITEWASHING JULIA 65 Lady P. (Looks at Stillingfleet severely.) You've been studying botany ? Still. Eh? Yes — yes — a few rudiments. Do you know, Madge, I actually didn't know the names of our commonest wildflowers — bugloss, bladder campion, sticklewort Sticklewort? Stipplewort? Well, there you see I don't know its right name even now. It grows in every hedge-row. It's disgraceful for a man to arrive at my age and not know the name of the simplest wildflowers. Lady P. (Serene — severe.) You've been go- ing to Saint Radegonde's on Sunday mornings. Still. Yes — yes — Ah, you see, dear, your good advice has borne fruit at last! After all these years, too ! You wouldn't have thought it, would you ? Lady P. But the service there is very low? Still. Oh, very low — very low indeed. Lady P. And Galer is a wretched preacher? Still. Shocking, dire, wicked, bad, tiresome preacher, yes Lady P. Then why do you go and hear him ? Still. Well, you see — he — he's got nine chil- dren — one of them stutters — stutters? I never heard anybody stutter as — as fluently as that sec- ond boy of Galer's — so I thought, "Poor devil ! Here's a chance of doing good! I'll give him a turn." E 66 WHITEWASHING JULIA act n Lady P. (Very severely.) Now, Bill, answer me truly, you're fascinated with this Mrs. Wren? Still. No — no Lady P. You've not been making advances to her? Still. No — no LADY I'. You have no intentions towards her? Still Not the least ! Lai iv P. Because we shall not know Mrs. Wren in Shanctonbury. Please bear that in mind in regulating your future behaviour^ to her. We shall not know her. (Trixik's voice is heard off in the gar- den.) Trixie. Mrs. Wren! Mrs. Wren ! I haven't g-one yet Enters at back to Stillingfleet's surprise, and LADY Pinkney's surprise and horror. Lady P. Miss Dlenkinsop! I cannot beli< my eyes ! Trixie. Aunt and uncle know that I'm here. Lady P. Trixie ! How- can you tell me such a dreadful story? Trixie. (Shrieks out.) Oh! Oh! Oh! That's just the same as calling me a — bad name. I may be a horrid naughty girl. Lady Pinkney — And when I'm goaded, as you have just goaded act ii WHITEWASHING JULIA 67 me, nobody knows how abandoned I can be — I don't know myself. I'm capable of anything! But bad as I am, I do not tell falsehoods, and I allow no one to question my word. Lady P. (seising her by the hand). Come with me to the Palace at once. I must see the Bishop and Mrs. IUenkinsop about this ! Trixie (dragging away her hand). No! After what has just passed I cannot be seen in public with you. If you go by the road, I go by the footpath ! If you go by the footpath, I go by the road ! (Marches off at back.) Still. That's the young lady you intend for Teddy Lady P. Yes. Still. Won't she be rather a handful for him ? Lady P. My dear Bill, we must make haste and marry Teddy to somebody, or I don't know what will happen. And Trixie will have all the Culverstone property. I must run over to the Palace and find out what is the meaning of her visit here! (Going off at back, turns round.) You'd better come with me. Still. One moment. I've just one question to ask Mrs. "Wren Lady P. Question to ask her ? Still. A little technical question in botany. Lady P. Now Bill, I may trust you? 68 WHITEWASHING JULIA act ii Still, (reproachfully'). My dear Madge (Exit Lady Pinkney at window. Stil- LINGFLEET folloWS her Up.) Enter Jui i a, at door, with letter in her hand. Julia. I thought I heard somebody shrick- uig- Still. We had a little scene with Miss Blenk- insop. Julia. Truriel Where is she? STILL, My sister has taken her back to the Palace. Julia. I've just had this most perplexing let- ter. I think you ought to read it. Still From whom? {Taking letter.') Julia. Mr. Edwin Pinkney. I didn't like to show it to Lady Pinkney. so I took it outside to answer. Still, (Reads.) "Railway Hotel, Shancton- bury, — Dear Mrs. Wren. You are the only person in this ghastly place who has ever shown me the least spark of human sympathy. So I hope you won't mind me coming to you in my hour of need. If you are at home will you kindly spare me a few minutes alone? Yours sincerely, Edwin Pink- ' Julia. Has he been away from home? Still. Yes, for a few days. What did you reply ? act ii WHITEWASHING JULIA 69 Julia. I wrote him that Lady Pinkney was with me, and I should be pleased to see him in her presence, or alone after she had gone. Still. I wonder what fresh scrape Teddy has been getting into. Julia. Whatever it is, we must try and help him out of it. Still, (looking at her admiringly). How good that is of you! (Approaching her.) I did a little botanizing yesterday Julia. Ah? In our lane — T mean the lane? Still. It was our lane when we had it all to ourselves the other evening. I spent all yesterday afternoon there, looking for that little flower Julia. Which little flower? Still. Now what do they call it? I can't remember its Latin name, but in English I fancy they call it (holding nearer to her) Love-in-idle- ness. Julia. And you couldn't find it ? Still. Not a single specimen. Doesn't it take two skilled gardeners to bring it to perfec- tion? Julia. Oh no, it's the commonest weed. If two simpletons meet down a lane, in five minutes all the banks blossom with it. Still. The banks were barren enough yester- dav. Whv didn't vou come? 70 WHITEWASHING JULIA act ii Julia. I thought it might not be quite, quite prudent. Still. Prudent? Is there any word in the language that comes with so bad a grace from a woman's lips as "Prudent"! Julia. ( >h. it's a vile word, and we hate it quite as much as you do. Still it's an eminently pectable, churchgoing sort of word, and every nice woman bilged to keep it somewhere handy. Still. In the dictionary? Julia. Oh, n ' "Prudence" is far too useful .1 word to he left in the dictionary. ell. Useful? What foi Julia. To play gooseberry — when we go b"t- anizii:. STILL. We'll take it with • sorrow, shall (Julia smiles and shakes her head at him. ) STILL Then we'll go botanizing without it, shall we ? (Julia smiles and shakes her head at hi: Julia. Alas! Our studies in botany must cea- STILL, Cease?! Am I such a dull, backward scholar ? Julia. Dull? Backward? You're far too act ii WHITEWASHING JULIA 71 advanced for me. You're getting quite out of hand. I must really dismiss you. I've taught you all the botany I know. Still. Shall we begin some other science? Julia. Shall we begin to be serious? When you came in I'd just made a promise to Lady Pink- nev Si ill. A promise? Julia. To let you understand you will not be welcome here for the future. § ; ill. What business is it of Lady Pinkney's? JULIA. She doesn't take kindly to your bot- anizing. Still. Ah ! how inconsistent you all are! All my life my dear si>ter has been lecturing me on my want of interest in rustic pleasures and de- lights. "Bill, why don't you take an interest in simple country sights and sounds?" And now when I say. "Aery well, lay me in the lap of mother nature, and let me gather the roses and bladder- campions while I may," is she pleased? Xo. She calls and cuts off my botany lessons. The same with my going to church. "Bill, why don't you at least so far conform to outward respecta- bility as to be seen in your place at church on Sun- day mornings?" And I think, "That's good ad- vice! I'll give poor Galer a turn." Does she welcome the returning penitent back to the fold? No, she runs amuck at Galer's doctrines, and WHITEWASHING JULIA act ii knocks theology off my list as an unnecessary extra — like botany. Now isn't she irrational ? (Julia shakes her head at him and smiles.) My pretty teacher, (coming closer to Iter) you don't really mean to dismiss me? Julia. I've promised Lady Pinkney. Still. Lady Pinkney! Surely you and I can be allowed to choose our own friends. Julia. Can we? It doesn't seem that I can choose my own friends. I've been here over two months and I haven't a single friendjn the place. STILL. You have one. Julia. No. A man cannot be a woman's friend unless — Still. Unless? Julia. Unless a woman has heaps of women- friends b< him ; women-friends who won't be jealous of her. and won't misunderstand his friendship? I have no women-friends — not one. And our friendship would be misunderstood in Shanctonbury — horribly misunderstood. Still. It shall not be misunderstood. I'll let everybody know that you are my friend. Julia. (Smiles and shakes her head.) That would only make me more disliked and suspected than I am already. Xo ! I must dismiss you, dear pupil, and leave Shanctonbury. Still. Leave Shanctonbury! Julia. Lady Pinkney brought me a very act ii WHITEWASHING JULIA 73 handsome offer from Miss Fewings to take this house for a number of years. Still. Miss Fewings! You surely won't let The Mount to her. Julia. Yes, I think. If I stay here and re- main friends with you, I shall only estrange you from your sister. I shouldn't like to do that. I should like still less to stay in Shanctonbury and not be friends with you. Still. You shall stay in Shanctonbury. and you shall be friends with me. (She smiles and shakes her head.) Yes, my chief friend, (She smiles and shakes her Jiead.) my only friend ! My wife! Nobody can misunderstand that! Julia. Thank you very much. But I must not accept you — for your own sake. Still. Ah, let me be the judge of that. Be my wife, for my sake JULIA. But if in after years ? Still. Let after years take care of themselves. Julia. What shall I say? Still. Nothing. All is said. (Kisses her.) We'll go botanizing to-morrow (She nods.) with- out that old fossil chaperon ''Prudence"? Julia. Oh. no! No! \Ye must take her with us more than ever now. Don't you see that ? Still. Yes. you're right. And perhaps it will be better not to announce our engagement to my sister, just for the time, eh? 74 WHITEWASHING JULIA act ii Julia. I shall leave it all to you. Tell Lady Pinkney and your other friends just when you think the right moment has come for it. Still. That won't be to-day. Enter Meade at door. Meade. (Announces.} Mr. Edwin Pinkney. Enter Teddy at door, in !<>!!■' summer overcoat and low hat, as if he had just come off a jour- ney. (Exit Meade.) Teddy. {Embarrassed, looking round appre- hensively.) Ilillo! Uncle Bill! How d'ye do, Mr>. Wren" (Looking round as he advances to shake hands with her.) I saw the old lady going down the road. Julia. Yes, she has gone. How d'ye do. iDY. Thanks. I'm a bit slack, off colour. Julia. I'm so sorry Teddy. Thanks awfully. (Shakes her hand, retains it. Stands embarrassed, and maunders on.) Thanks. It's this hole of a place, (indicat- ing the city from the window) and then there's the old lady — and all the Blenkinsop gang — Well, it's a gruesome state of affairs, isn't it ? How- ever, I hope I've got one true friend in Shancton- bury. (Wringing Julia's hand, which he has retained.) act ii WHITEWASHING JULIA 75 Julia. (Very much embarrassed.) You have indeed. {Glances helplessly around at Stilling- fleet, who comes up to them.) Teddy. That's why I came straight here. I thought I might find you alone. (Glancing at Stillingfleet.) Still. How are you, Teddy? Got back to Shanctonbury ? Teddy. Yes. Still. Mother know you're here? Teddy. No. Still. That's had. isn't it? Teddy. No, not under the circumstances. Still. What circumstances? Teddy. Well — I should like to consult Mrs. Wren — privately, if Still. You can't do better. Trust her thor- oughly, my boy. (Going off at back.) Julia. Mr. Stillingfleet. you won't go very far, in case we need your advice. (He makes her a sign and goes off at window. ) Teddy. (Embarrassed, hesitates, at length plunges.) You know — I'm in a situation that peculiarly demands the exercise of a little femi- nine tact and sympathy. There's nothing that picks a man up like feminine sympathy. (Julia makes a sympathetic assent.) Especially when 76 WHITEWASHING JULIA act ii he's in the midst of events that may shape them- selves into a — into a kind of social revolution Julia. [.Harmed.) Social revolution! You're not going to head a social revolution ? Teddy. Yes — in a minor kind of way (Julia looks helplessly round for Stillingfleet.) that is, with your aid and sympathy Julia. ( )h, but I've no sort of sympathy with social revolutions ! Teddy. But it's for your especial benefit Julia. My benefit? I'm sure nobody ever benefits by social revolutions. Teddy. You would, if you only had the cour- age to face it. Julia. Courage? I don't understand. (Looking round for Stillingfleet.) Teddy. When you came to live in Shancton- bury, what did all the Shanctonbury dowagers do? Did they call on you? Did they put your name on their committees, and ask you for subscrip- tions? Did they invite you to their muffin-meet- ings? How have the Blenkinsops treated you? And I thought you might like to take a neat little revenge on the whole gang. Julia. How ? Teddy. Well, with my help and countenance, and — (Embarrassed.) the help and countenance of some friends I am about to introduce into the neighbourhood act ii WHITEWASHING JULIA 77 Julia. You're going to introduce some friends into the neighbourhood? Teddy. Yes — rather jolly people — in their way. And I thought we might get up a nice select little coterie of social outsiders, and snap our fingers at everybody. Julia. But social outsiders don't form nice little coteries, do they? I'm sure they don't. Teddy. Oh yes they do — in a sense. Byron and Shelley were social outsiders Julia. Yes, but nobody called on Byron or Shelley — at least not on the ladies who — a — who a — not when they were writing their most beauti- ful poetry. Teddy. (Very much disappointed.) But I — a — wanted to introduce my friends to vou Julia. I should be delighted, but — I'll call Mr. Stillingfleet. Teddy. No — Uncle Bill has got no real sym- pathy, and it's a little human sympathy I want in the present juncture. Julia. Juncture! What juncture? Teddy. (Solemnly.) Mrs. Wren, I've always tried to behave in a strictly honourable way towards women — I'm not boring you ? Julia. No — no — go on. Teddy. And I mean to act in a strictly honour- able way towards this one. Julia. Which one? 78 WHITEWASHING JULIA act n Teddy. This one. I'm not going to be ashamed of her. Especially as I'm going to marry her next month. Julia. What? You're going to be married! And Lady Pinkney doesn't know ? Teddy. No. You see, I thought the old lady might shy a bit at Rosie's mamma — so I've come to you — as a friend Julia. Rosie? Who is this young lady? Does she live in Shanctonbury ? TEDDY. No — she's never been here before — except on the day of the curate's bazaar. I brought her and her mother down then, so that they might see Shanctonbury in all its glory. Julia. Where are they now? Teddy. Just outside in the road waiting for your decision. Julia. You must tell Lady Pinkney about her at once, and I must tell Mr. Stillingfleet. Teddy. Xo — if you don't allow me to bring her here as my fiancee, I shall simply cart her back- to town, and say nothing to anybody till it's all over. But I brought her here on purpose to introduce her to you. Julia. (Embarrassed.) Well — of course I should be delighted if — if Mr. Stillingfleet were present. Teddy. I don't trust L'ncle Bill Julia. Oh, I'm sure you may. Now go and act ii WHITEWASHING JULIA 79 bring her in, and I'll tell Mr. Stillingfleet. Yes, yes, he must know ! Teddy. Well — a — all right — but you know it's feminine sympathy I want and (Exit at door, left.) Julia. (Shozcs great perplexity, goes to win- dow, calls.) Mr. Stillingfleet ! Still. (Enters at window.) Yes — (looks round for Teddy.) My sister has come back from the Palace. She wants to see you about Trixie. I haven't told her Teddy was here. Where is Teddy? (Looking round for Teddy. Julia sJiozcs great perplexity.) Lady Pinkney enters at window. Lady P. I wish to have two minutes' impor- tant conversation with you. May I come in? Julia. Yes — do, please. (Rings bell.) Lady P. I've taken Miss Blenkinsop to the Palace. I believe she has been in the habit of vis- iting you here? Julia. It has been quite against my wish. Lady P. Yes, so she said. Enter Meade at door, left. Julia. Oh, Meade, if anyone comes, please show them into the dining-room, and say that I will be there in a few minutes. 80 WHITEWASHING JULIA act u Meade. Yes, ma'am. (Exit.) Lady P. I was certainly not aware when I was here just now that Miss Blenkinsop had been visiting you. That puts a new complexion on the object of my visit. Now, if you're going to re- main in our midst, wouldn't it be better to accept my suggestion ? Julia. What is that? Lady P. Give me a full explanation of these little matters we were speaking of, and let me clear you from any further scandal. You would prefer my brother should be absent? * Julia. Xo, please don't go, Mr. Stillingfleet. Lady P. But, my dear, you would surely pre- fer to treat this as a matter of confidence between you and me. Enter Teddy, at back, accompanied by Mrs. Ben- bow, a middle-aged woman, about fifty, a little aggressively dressed, and Rosie Benbow, her daughter, a very handsome common girl about twenty-live. Teddy. Excuse our coming this way, Mrs. Wren (Stops on seeing Lady Pinkney.) Lady P. Teddy! Who are these ladies? They're not friends of yours? Teddy. Well — yes — a — it's all right. (To Mrs. Benbow.) It's my mother ! act n WHITEWASHING JULIA 81 Mrs. B. (offering to shake hands). Very pleased to make your acquaintance, ma'am — my lady. Let me introduce you to Teddy's intended, (Introducing) my daughter, Rosie — Lady Pink- ney — Lady Pinkney — Miss Rosa Benbow. Rosie. How d'ye do, my lady? Lady P. Teddy ! This is not true? Teddy. Xo. At least — I dare say it is rather a surprise, but — you know Lady P. (To Stillixgfleet.) Did you know anything of this ? Still. Not a word till this moment. Nor, I am sure, did Mrs. Wren. Lady P. But it's not true ! It can't be true ! (To Teddy.) Why don't you answer? Teddy. Well, I — a — you know — I rather think you'll like Rosie when you come to know her. Lady P. (gathering herself up, to Stilling- fleet. ) You'd better take me home, I think. Mrs. B. Oh, my lady, there's no occasion to get into a fluster. Though I am her mother, I will say a better brought-up girl than my Rosie isn't to be found in any class. She's fit to mix in any society. There she stands, and you can judge for yourself! Rosie. Oh, please don't apologize for me, mother. Mrs. B. Hold your tongue, Rosie. And I'm sure, my lady, if you'll only look on it in the right F 82 WHITEWASHING JULIA act ii light, you'll see that when two young folks are really fond of each other there's nothing for their parents to do but to stand aside and bless their union. (Approaching Lady Pixkxkv, who in- dignantly draws herself away. ) And as for your superior rank and station, my lady — well — (Beam- ing on Stillingfleet) — we're all equal in the eyes of Heaven, aren't we? Still. I hope not. my dear lady. I sincerely hope not. ( Turning to Teddy.) Teddy, how far has this gom Teddy. Well. I — a Still. Are you engaged to this young lady? Teddy. Well, I — I suppose I am ; and as an honourable man — I shall have to see it through. eh ? Still. Have you written her any letters? Mrs. 11. i lh, lots of 'em. And so sweetly picturesque. It's quite a romance in real life! Still. May I ask you where you live — Mrs. — ? What is your name? Mrs. B. Benbow. I'll give you one of my cards. (Taking out an old wooden card-case, and from it two or three greasy cards, one of which she presents to Stillixgfleet.) Rosie. this is your future Uncle William — if not pre- suming, sir, I understand you are our future Uncle William. Still, (bowing slightly to Rosie). Future — act ii WHITEWASHING JULIA 83 yes — future — Now I think, Mrs. Benbow, you and I had better discuss this together. Mrs. B. Very pleased, I'm sure, but there ain't much to discuss, because the happy day is already fixed, and the banns are to be asked for the first time next Sunday. Lady P. (Very much upset.) What?! I shall put this into my lawyer's hands. My poor boy has been entrapped ! Mrs. B. Entrapped? What did you say, my lady? Look at that dear girl there Rosie. Oh. please don't be personal, mother. Do stand a little on your dignity, and don't lower yourself by arguing. Mrs. B. Hold your tongue, Rosie. En- trapped is a very flagrant word for one lady to use to another. And I must ask you to with- draw it, my lady. Lady P. (Sweeps by her: to Stilling- fleet. ) Will you please see me back to the Hall ? (Going off at back.) Still. Xo, stay — we can't leave this as it stands Julia. (Who has been quietly watching all the while.) Lady Pinkney, one moment. Mrs. Benbow, I have a suggestion to make to Lady Pinkney, which may be to your daughter's inter- est. Mrs. B. Very pleased, I'm sure. 84 WHITEWASHING JULIA act 11 Julia. Will you and Miss Benbow kindly go into the drawing-room for a minute, and I'll come to you there. ( Opening door. ) Mrs. B. Well, ma'am Julia. I shall be able to advise you, I think. (Calls off.) Meade, please show these ladies into the drawing-room. Mrs. B. You'll come with us too, Teddy? Teddy. Well, I eh? (Hesitating, looks helplessly all round.) ROSIE. Yotl won't desert me, T^eddy. after all your promises and lett< I Teddy. < >h, I'm going to see it through R< sie. *me with us, then. (Exeunt Rosie and Mrs. Benbow.) Trudy. (To Julia, with a sickly smile.) I suppose I'd better go with them, eh? Julia. Yes, I think. (Exit Teddy. She closes the door after him.) Lady F. What is to be done? What can be done? What will Pinkney say? Julia. Dear Lady Pinkney. will you think me intrusive if I make a suggestion? Lady P. No — no — when did you first know of this ? Julia. Only a moment before you came. He called and asked my permission to introduce them, and of course I insisted that you and Mr. Stilling- act ii WHITEWASHING JULIA 85 fleet should know. You believe me, I am sure, and you will let me help you out of this difficulty if I can. Lady P. How? Julia. If I were you I should not oppose this marriage Lady P. Not oppose it ? ! Julia. Not for the moment. The banns are to be asked. Your first step must be to gain time. Tell them that the marriage cannot take place till Lord Pinkney returns from Australia, and that you think they ought not to see each other mean- time. But that if the attachment lasts for six months you will try to meet their wishes. Lady P. Meet their wishes?! Julia. You will try — in six months. And if you will allow me to help you still further Lady P. My dear Mrs. Wren Julia. I will suggest they should take a trip to the seaside or to the Continent, and I will spare them my servant Meade. I can trust Meade thoroughly, and I'm sure she will look after — their comforts. A great deal may happen in six months. Still. (JJlio has been listening and showing approval.) Excellent! My dear Mrs. Wren! I congratulate you ! It's a great scheme ! I'm sure my sister is very grateful to you ! Julia. Shall I suggest it to them ? 86 WHITEWASHING JULIA act ii Lady P. Well, there could be no harm Still. Harm! My dear Madge. It's a tre- mendous scheme. Julia. If you will leave them with me I'll try and get them to accept it. Lady P. Thank you very much. Then will you please tell my son that I'm waiting for him? Julia. I think you'd better let him stay for a time. I have to soften the process of saying adieu to the young lady, and get them to part for six months. Then I have to work upon Mrs. Ben- bow. I'm afraid she'll need some managing Lady P. Dear Mrs. Wren. I'll leave the mat- ter entirely in your hands. I'm infinitely obliged to you. Good-bye. You'll let me know how you succeed? I'll go this way if you don't mind, as I've no wish to meet {Comes back.) Now, Bill. (Exit.) (Stillingfleet goes up to window and then he deliberately drops his gloves in sight of Julia. Exit Stillixg- fleet. She goes and picks them up.) Still. (Off.) One moment, Madge! I've left my gloves! I'll join you directly. (He re- enters, takes her hand and says.) In six months, a great deal may happen (He goes up. She goes to door. They kiss hands, and Curtain. ACT III Scene — Drawing-room at Lady Pinckney's, Shanc- tonbury Hall. A large, dignified, squarely-built room in an English mansion. At back are three large, long windows, curtained in red damask or velvet. Down stage, left, a large fireplace with fire burning. Right, a large, handsome cabinet, surrounded by old pictures, chiefly family portraits. A door up stage, right, above the cabinet. A door down stage, right, below the cabi- net. A door up stage, left, above the fireplace. A cozy '♦ sofa above the fireplace, facing direct towards audience. A table, right, in front of cabinet. Time— Midwinter, about half-past six in the evening. The room lighted. The curtains at back drawn. Discover Bevis, rather impatiently walking up and dozen. Enter Griggs, the butler, left, showing in Sam ways. Samways has some papers in his hands. Griggs. I'll tell her ladyship you're here, sir. (Exit Griggs.) Samways. (Comes dozen, looking over papers.) How d'ye do? Bevis. (Rather curtly.) How d'ye do? 87 88 WHITEWASHING JULIA act in (Shaking hands.) This is an extraordinary story about my brother. Sam ways. (Chuckles.) Yes — curious, isn't it? (( 'huckling. ) Bevis. I see no reason for laughter. (Sam- ways pulls himself up.) How is it that I've been kept in ignorance all through ? Why has every- thing been done behind my back? Sam ways. Well, Lady Pinkney thought, and Mr. Stillingfleet thought, that having regard to your peculiar susceptibilities and your, conned with the Bishop's family, they wouldn't make you uncomfortable by telling you anything about it till it was all over. Bevis. Then it is all over? Sam ways. Yes — thanks to Mrs. Wren. Bevis. Mrs. Wren? Sam ways. I've got all your brotner's letters here, and the young lady's acknowledgment of the five hundred pounds I've paid her in discharge of your brother's promise. Bevis. Five hundred pounds ! Sam ways. Yes — it was five thousand last time; so it would have lie en this, if Mrs. Wren hadn't managed it. Bevis. Oh, we are indebted to Mrs. Wren — for what? Sam ways. Well, she arranged to get the mother and the girl away to the Continent, in act in WHITEWASHING JULIA 89 charge of her confidential servant, Meade — clever woman that. After a month or so Meade's sus- picions are aroused with regard to the young lady's conduct, and she very properly writes to Mrs. Wren, who very properly informs me, and I very properly have the young lady watched, with results that prove that she — the young lady — is not behaving very properly. I hasten over to Paris, have an interview with the young lady and mamma. Mamma is shrewd enough to see 4hat if she can keep the letters in her possession there is a chance of blackmailing us. So I detach the young lady and drive a bargain with her be- hind mamma's back. She steals the letters from ; mamma's box, gives them to me, signs this docu- ment. I hand her the money in golden sovereigns, treat myself to an exceedingly good dinner, and take the night train back. There ! Now you know all about it. Enter Lady Pinkney, left. Lady P. Ah, Mr. Samwavs Sam ways (shaking hands). How d'ye do? Lady P. Oh, Bevis, Sophie has just sent your man across to say that your cook has been drink- ing again, and seems likely to make a hash, not only of the dinner, but of the kitchen furniture. She thinks you'd better step home at once 90 WHITEWASHING JULIA act hi Bevis. I wish to know, first, about this dis- graceful affair of Teddy's Lady P. There is no disgraceful affair; its quite concluded. Bevis. But it's important for Sophie and me to know how far Mrs. Wren has moved in the matter. Lady P. It's far more important for you to know how far your cook is spoiling your dinner. S< tphie wishes you to go at once. Bevis. I'll come over again. Samways, you and I will have a further talk over tliis. Sam ways. By all means Mr. Bevis. (Exit Bevis. left. Sam ways turns in- quiringly to Lady Pixkxey.) Lady P. Now — have you got Teddy's letters? Samways. There they are. (Lady Link xey takes them.) I don't think I'd look at them — they're of the sort that are onlv amusing when they're read out in Court. And here's the girl's undertaking not to molest — I've drawn it up very strictly. Shall I keep it? L a d v P. Yes. you'd better. And this wretched business is now at an end? Samways. Quite. Except Lady P. What? Samways. a r rs. Benbow may give you a little trouble. Lady P. How? act in WHITEWASHING JULIA 91 Sam ways. The girl had to break open her mother's box to get her letters. When the mother discovered the letters were in my possession, she came to my hotel and raised a bit of a storm. She may possibly bluster and threaten you. Don't be alarmed! She can do nothing. If she does turn up, hand her over to me, and I'll soon damp her down. Lady P. I'll keep these letters. Thank you very much, Samways. Sam ways. Oh, don't thank me. It's Mrs. Wren you should thank. Lady P. Yes — I know. Now I wish to con- sult you in the strictest professional confidence — Samways. Certainly. Lady P. What is the status of people who have contracted a morganatic marriage? Samways. (Samways' face drops.) Morga- natic marriage? Lady P. Yes Sam ways. Well — broadly speaking — their status is the same as that of people who have con- tracted an ordinary marriage. Lady P. But there are exceptions ? Samways. Oh yes. Lady P. Such as — for instance ? Samways. Such as — for instance ? Lady P. A foreign Royal Duke would be 9 2 WHITEWASHING JULIA act in allowed very considerable latitude in making his marriage arrangements? Sam ways. Yes — yes — certainly Lady P. Suppose the foreign Royal Duke found himself already married S a m w a y s. Ye s Lady P. To a terribly unsuitable person Sam ways. Yes Lady P. And wished to contract a morga- natic marriage — a strictly honourable morganatic marriage with another lady — What would his position be? SAMWAYS. Well, broadly speaking, his posi- tion would be that of a i^'at many worthy mar- ried men of all ranks, who find themselves mar- ried to terribly unsuitable persons, and who wish to contract strictly honourable marriages with other ladies. Lady P. The law wouldn't permit him to do it? Sam ways. There might be some difficulty. Lady P. In that case, what would he do? Sam ways. Well — that depends. Lady P. If he were to contract say — not a formal morganatic marriage, but something equivalent to a morganatic marriage? Sam ways. Yes' Lady P. How far would it be recognized as legal ? act in WHITEWASHING JULIA 93 Samways. Where ? Lady P. Here ? Or on the Continent ? Samways. Well — a — there would always be some suspicion attaching to it in Western Europe. Lady P. But — in Eastern Samways. Well, broadly speaking, we may say that the further East we go, the more recog- nition would be accorded to it. But the law is in such a chaos, I wouldn't venture off-hand to give an opinion. Sn 1.1.1 xgfleet oitcrs, right, in evening dress. Lady P. Really the whole affair is most em- barrassing! Still. What is embarrassing? How do, 'Samways? Samways. How are you? (Slinking Jiauds.) Lady P. You're dressed, Bill — what's the time? I shall be late for dinner. Still. Don't distress yourself. It isn't seven yet. I came home after a long day with the hounds, and was glad to get into my evening clothes. But what's worrying you? Lady P. Mrs. Wren. I must make her some recognition, don't you think? Still. Recognition ? ! Certainly you must. Lady P. I've asked her to look in this even- ing and stay dinner. 94 WHITEWASHING JULIA act hi Still. You've asked her to dinner ? ! Lady P. Not formally. If Bevis and the Blenkinsops knew that I'd invited Mrs. Wren to dinner, I should never hear the last of it. But now, if they get to know of it. I can say, and yon will say, that I had to see her on this business of Idy's; and that as dinner was approaching, I asked her as a mere civility to stay. STILL. Then you haven't invited anybody to meet her? Lady P. My dear Bill! There jvill he your- self, and myself, and Teddy, and (Sees Sam- ways.) Mr. Samways, you're not engaged for dinr Sam ways. No Lady 1'. Then you'll join us? Samways. Delighted. (Takes out zvatch.) I'll just hurry hack and dr.. Lady P. Yes — You're passing the Mount? Samways. I could go that way. \nv P. In writing to Mrs. Wren and sug- gesting she should dine with us to-night, in a quite informal way, I said it would be an immense re- lief to all of us if she would clear up these — insinu- ations, eh ? Samways. (Cordially.) By all means. Lady P. I've suggested that if she doesn't care to speak, she might give me in confidence some little statement in writing — eh ? act m WHITEWASHING JULIA 95 Sam ways. Yes, in writing-. Lady P. I should then be able to assure every- body that she had absolutely dispelled these — slanders. Sam ways. Yes — that course commends itself to me. Lady P. Then you will urge her to adopt that course ? Sam ways. Yes — I will Lady P. I don't think you have managed this business very cleverly Sam ways. Lady Pinkney! Lady P. You are a lawyer ! Surely by this time you ought either to have given us satisfac- tory account of the puff-box, or to have estab- lished the morganatic marriag Sam ways. My dear Lady Pinkney — Lady P. You've muddled it, Samways. you've muddled it very badly ! Till dinner then ? Samways. Till dinner! Enter Griggs, left, shotting in Julia zeith a cloak over a dinner dress, and Trixie Blexkixsop in winter afternoon dress. Griggs. (Announcing.) Mrs. Wren! Miss Blenkinsop ! Enter Julia and Trixie. Exit Griggs. 96 WHITEWASHING JULIA act hi Lady P. How d'ye do? Julia (shaking hands). How d'ye do? (Tunis to Stillixgfleet.) How d'ye do? Still. How d'ye do? Julia. Cousin Tom, how are you? Sam ways (shaking hands). Very well, my dear. Going to meet you here at dinner. Good- bye till then. ( I funics off left.) Julia. It's barely seven, but you said, "Look in a little before dinner and stay." I hope I haven't interpreted my invitation too liberally? Lady P. Not at all. (Lady Pinkney and Trixie hair severely taken no notice of each other. ) Julia. It's this naughty girl who is the cause of my coming - irly. I found her wandering round my garden in the cold, so I brought her on here to apologize for her conduct to you in my house some months ago. Lady P. (Very severely.) I wish never to have anything more to do with Trixie. I'm sur- prised at her coming here. Trixie. (To Julia.) There! What did I tell you ? Julia. Hush ! But Lady Pinkney, she is very sorry and has come to ask your forgiveness. Trixie Trixie. (In a quick hard perfunctory impeni- tent tone.) I beg your pardon. act in WHITEWASHING JULIA 97 Julia. No, Trixic ! Not in that tone ! Trixie. (A shade softer and more penitent.) I beg your pardon, Lady Pinkney. (Lady Pink- ney remains cold and severe.) (Trixie, after a pause and a little supplicating gesture from Julia, shouts out as if Lady Pinkney were deaf.) I beg your pardon, Lady Pinkney ! Julia. Trixie ! Trixie ! Trixie. Well, what can I do? (Tries an- other tone, says it very quickly, repeats it hur- riedly about ten times.) I beg your pardon, beg your pardon, beg your pardon, beg your pardon, beg your pardon, beg your pardon, beg your par- don, beg your pardon, beg your pardon, beg your pardon, beg your pardon ! There ! Julia. I'm sorry, Lady Pinkney. It is I who have to beg your pardon for having brought a rude, naughty girl into your house. Will you please forgive me ? (Turns to Trixie.) Trixie, you might have spared me this. Trixie. (Turns to Lady Pinkney, and in a really penitent voice says) I'm very sorry, Lady Pinkney ! I beg your pardon ! I really mean it this time ! Will you please forgive me ? Lady P. (Quietly kissing Trixie.) I for- give you, Trixie ! Enter Teddy, upper door, right. Teddy. (Surprised at seeing Julia.) Mrs. G 98 WHITEWASHING JULIA act hi Wren ! By Jove ! How are you ? (Shaking hands.) Julia. How d'ye do? Teddy. Delighted to see you here ! Lady P. Mrs. Wren has come on a little mat- ter of business and (Glancing at Trixl Julia. Perhaps Mr. Pinkney would see Miss Blenkinsop across to the Palace. idy. < »h yes — delighted Trixie. Thank you very much. Mr. Pinkney. I'm quite capable of taking care of myself — tod-bye everybody. Lady P. Trixie. I can't allow you to go alone in the dark. Julia. Dear Lady Pinkney. as I am unavoid- ably responsible for Miss Blenkinsop's being here, I'll see her to your I _ r ates, and Mr. Pinkney shall take care of her from the lodge gates to the Palace, eh ? Teddy. Delighted. Julia. Come along then. Trixie. Oh, very well. But you know I'm taken too much care of. Mine is a nature that demands perfect trust from those older than my- self. All my wickedness comes from not being trusted, and allowed to follow my own healthy natural instincts. (With a sudden rush of affec- tion.) Good-bye, dear Lady Pinkney. ('Goes to act in WHITEWASHING JULIA 99 Lady Pinkney and kisses her.) Now, Teddy. (Going off left.) Teddy. Delighted — I'm sure (Exeunt Teddy and Trixie.) Julia. I'll see them to the lodge gates. Lady P. Your nearest way will be through the small hall and conservatory Julia. Oh. I know quite well. You forget I used to be a frequent visitor here. {Exit left. ) Lady P. She seems to have an extraordinary influence over Trixie. Still. And Trixie seems very much attached to her. Lady P. When I was at the Mount yesterday she suggested she should take Trixie away with her to the seaside for Easter, and that Teddy should be allowed to come there as if by accident under your guardianship — or mine Still. A very excellent plan ! I should let her carry it out. Lady P. My dear Bill, the Blenkinsops would never permit it. Besides, I'm under sufficient obligations to her already in this matter of Teddy's. Xo, I must make her some very hand- some acknowledgment and then — it would be a great relief to everybody if she would leave Shanc- tonburv, eh? Still. I don't think so. After what she has ioo WHITEWASHING JULIA act ra done for you I should Have thought you would wish her to stay near you Lady P. Personally, I should be delighted. But it's useless for her to think of living in Shanc- tonbury unless she clears up the puff-box. I've given her another chance to-night. We shall see whether she avails herself of it. Meantime, what acknowledgment do you think — Still. It's difficult to say. You are really under an enormous debt to her Lady P. Yes. we certainly owe her a large debt of gratitude. What recognition do you think ? Still. A present would be a grave mistake. Lady P. Why? Still. It would look as if you thought that such services as hers could be bought and paid for. No! Lady P. Well— what? Still. It's a dilemma, but I think I can help you out of it. Lady P. How ? Still. I don't think you know how much attached you are to Airs. Wren. And for myself I can truly say that the more I see of her the more admirable and charming in every way does she seem to me. Lady P. (getting suspicions). Bill! Still. In fact I've been thinking over the act in WHITEWASHING JULIA 101 good advice you've been giving me for years past about settling down Lady P. Bill ! Still. That's the best of me, I do take good advice. Not at the time, perhaps. Good advice shouldn't be taken too recklessly, should it? No — I daresay you've noticed that it seems to roll off me like water off a duck's back, but all the while, Madge, it's making a deep impression on me — or rather in me — I'm taking it internally. I'm say- ing to myself, "That dear good sister of mine! (Fondling her.) She's right after all. These racketty ways won't do ! I must pull up and be- come a credit to myself and the family. Now where can I find a woman " Lady P. (Much alarmed.) Bill! Still. Where can I find a woman who will have the courage and the kindness and the patience to take me as I am ; not a raw, gawky school-girl, but a woman with some little knowl- edge of the world — a woman of tact and gentle- ness, and sweetness, and refinement, a woman who sums up all the essential feminine graces in her own dear charming person Lady P. Bill, vou're going to marry Airs. Wren ! Still. I'm a lucky beggar, ain't I? You see you recognized her description in a moment ! Now congratulate me ! 102 WHITEWASHING JULIA act ii: Lady P. Bill, this is too bad of you ! And these last few months you've led me to think your friendship with her was practically broken off. Still. That was my tact and thoughtfulness for you! I saw you were worried about Teddy, so I thought I would wait and give you a pleasant surprise. Lady P. Surprise! (Much upset.) If you marry Mrs. Wren, it will make Shanctonbury quite impossible for me ! \er Julia, left, still in her cloak, but with even- ing slippers. Julia. They've raced off to the Palace on the best of terms with each other. I'm sure they lid easily be led into a real attachment. (Coin- to LADY PlNKNEY.) Is anything the mat; Lady P. No. My brother has just told me — that Still. She's naturally a little surprised to h< of our engagement — such a dear tender sympa- thetic creature she is i Fondling Lady Pixkxey.) Julia. I'm afraid the news has not been agree- able to you ? Lady P. Oh yes — at least — oh yes Julia. Would you rather I didn't stay to- night? Lady P. Yes, my dear, you'd better stay now. act in WHITEWASHING JULIA 103 And of course — I — I — congratulate you both, but — Now, my dear Mrs. Wren, my dear Julia, if you are to marry my brother, you must see how necessary it is to give me some explanation of — a — the — a — puff-box — eh ? Julia. Dear Lady Pinkney, have I not always said that an explanation would be forthcoming at the right moment ? LADY P. Well, dear, if this isn't the right moment, when will it be? Julia. I have come prepared to give an expla- nation. Lady P. (Surprised, delighted.) You have? (Drawing out watch.) I've just a few minutes before I go to dress for dinner. (Scats herself very determinedly.) Now, dear! Still. You wish me to g Julia. Xo. Isn't my explanation due to you rather than to Lady Pinkney? Still. Pve never asked for any explanation — Julia. No — but if I owe an explanation to anyone, surely it is first to you? Don't you think so. Lady Pinkney? Lady P. By all means, dear. Then you would prefer to explain to Bill first? Julia. If you don't mind. Lady P. (rising). Very well. I'll leave you with him. But, dear, after dinner some little ex- planation must be forthcoming to me — just 104 WHITEWASHING JULIA act hi enough to satisfy the good Shanctonbury people, eh? (Exit Lady Pinkney upper door, right.) Julia. How did she take the announcement? Still. She was a little upset at first, but she's coming round, and — don't you think it would be better for us to — a — satisfy the good Shancton- bury people? Julia. I wonder what would satisfy the good Shanctonbury people. What would satisfy you? Still. Have I ever seemed curious? Julia. No. Then you are satisfied? Still. Quite. Quite. At least if you are going to satisfy our good Shanctonbury neigh- bours — it would be rather unkind to leave me out in the cold, wouldn't it? Julia. I won't leave you out in the cold (A pause.) Still. What are you going to do? Julia. I don't know. (Smiling at him.) I haven't made up my ranid. At least, I'm going to stay to dinner, so I may as well take off this cloak. (He helps her to take off cloak.) One moment. W T e shall want this. (Taking a large blue envelope out of her cloak pocket.) Still. What's that? Julia. That's a stout, trustworthy envelope act in WHITEWASHING JULIA 105 which contains some important documents. (Put- ting it on the tabic.) We'll lay it there. (They both sit dozen, one on each side of the table with the envelope between them — a pause. They look at each other and laugh.) Still. Well? Julia. Well? Still. Well ? Julia. What ought I to do? - Still. I think you ought to— just — say — a — Julia. Say — what ? Still. Well, just enough to make peoples' minds easy about you. Julia. Suppose that were difficult? Still. Difficult?! Julia. Suppose — I only say suppose — it were impossible? Still. Then I would leave the matter entirely in your hands. Julia. You would be satisfied to do that? For now and always? Still. Yes, so far as my own happiness is concerned. Believe me, dear, I suspect nothing; I regret nothing; I guess nothing; I know noth- ing. I don't even wish to know if there is any- thing to know. Julia. Will, I love you a dozen times as much as I did when we became engaged ! 106 WHITEWASHING JULIA act hi Still. Why, dear? Julia. Because you've never said one word, you've never thrown out the least hint that didn't show the most complete confidence in me. There's nothing wins a woman's heart like that. We love to be trusted, and sometimes we need it — oh. so much ! Still. Do you need it — now ? Julia. Wry much — or not at all. — You shall decide. Still. What Bevis. (Still ghastly.) It's nothing — I hope Samways won't be long — the woman has no pos- sible claim on me. Still. No? Bevis. Not morally, 120 WHITEWASHING JULIA act hi Still. Xo — not morally. Bevis. When I was at Oxford, I was betrayed into a very undesirable friendship — really be- trayed into it Still. My boy, I sympathize with you. I've been betrayed myself — so many times. Go on. Bevis. But I summoned all my resolution, and 1 wry soon conquered Still. (Claps lii)ii on the shoulder.) Brave boy! Dear boy! I don't wonder that you want to make it hot for other people. Brave boy ! Go on ! Bevis. I conquered, and got them out of the country to Australia, by payment of a consider- able sum. That's really all. T was extremely upset in the summer to find the mother and daughter at our curates' fete here in Shancton- bury. I can't imagine what they were doing here. I told Samways the outline of the story then. I • he will come to some arrangement with her. (Looking anxiously at door.) Uncle, you won't misunderstand me? Still. How? Bevis. At first sight I may appear to be a hypocrite. Still. Oh, not at all. Oh no! Bevis. No, I'm really not a hypocrite. It was the realization of the wickedness of my own con- duct that has led me to be so strict with others — act in WHITEWASHING JULIA 121 Still. Yes, yes, to be sure. Bevis. I've been quite consistent through- out Still. I'm sure you have. And I'm sure if I were to give you an explanation of your own conduct, you wouldn't understand me. Bevis. Not understand you ? Still. If I were to show you your own por- trait, you wouldn't recognize it ! Bevis. How not recognize it ? Still. You've worn this mask so long, you don't know your own features. Do you ever look at yourself? Do you ever question your own heart? (Very tenderly.) My lad, knowing what you do of your own life, how could you breathe one word against another? How could you lift up the smallest pebble to stone your neigh- bours? Ah. that's right! Look within for one moment, and resolve for the future to have done with this dry rot of making other people virtuous ! Here sits the one and only rascal you've got to reform! (Shaking Bevis zigorously.) Bevis. I can see now that I have been too severe. Still. Say no more. So far as I am con- cerned, it's past. But there is someone who is very dear to me, and whom I wish to preserve from pain and slander 122 WHITEWASHING JULIA act hi Bevis. Mrs. Wren ? I fear I have been very much mistaken in my estimate of Mrs. Wren. Still. You have been very much mistaken. You will please let that be known ? Bevis. Oh yes. I'll explain to my wife, and in fact to everybody Still. Yes, do, do — you're good at explana- tions. And I've no doubt after your explanation Mrs. Wren will be received in Shanctonbury ? Bevis. Well, we shall receive her ourselves, and if she is received by us I don't think you need have any doubt Still. Then I'll leave all the explaining to you. Now we shall have quite a pleasant family dinner party Bevis. Yes — if Samways (Looking anxiously at door left.) Enter Samways, left. Samways (rubbing his hands.) That's set- tled ! Bevis. Settled ? Samways. The lady leaves Shanctonbury to- morrow and we shall have no further trouble with her. (To Bevis.) Your friend Brown need have no further anxiety. Bevis. Thank you so much. Enter Julia, lower door right. act in WHITEWASHING JULIA 123 Bevis. {Advances cordially to her.) My dear Mrs. Wren, I very much regret there has been any misunderstanding between us, and I hope we shall be good friends in the future. (Offer- ing hand.) Julia. (Nonplussed.) I shall be delighted (Shaking hands) but — (Looks bewildered to Stillixgfleet for an explanation ; he nods and smiles) very delighted — (Shakes hands again cor- dially, again turns to Stillixgfleet for an expla- nation.) Re-enter Lady Pixkxey, looking very much wor- ried, upper door right, in evening dress, fol- lowed by Mrs. Bevis. Mrs. Bevis. Now, Bevis, we will dine at the Palace — Bevis. No, my dear. Uncle William has ex- plained everything to me most satisfactorily, and for my part I shall be delighted to stay here and dine with my mother and Mrs. Wren (Lady Pixkxey and Mrs. Bevis show great astonishment.) Mrs. Bevis. I don't understand Bevis. May I present you to Mrs. Wren? (Mrs. Bevis looks astounded.) You may be quite sure, my dear, that I have thoroughly satis- fied myself. 124 WHITEWASHING JULIA act hi (Julia keeps on turning to Stilling- fleet with a look of inquiring bewil- derment. ) Bevis. (To Mrs. Bevis. zdio still shows so)ne rchictancc to make Julia's acquaintance.) I'll explain everything to you by-and-by. Meantime (presenting) my wife — Mrs. Wren! (Mrs. Bevis and Julia boze to each other, i Lady P. (Astonished.) Bevis 1 (Draws him aside. Bevis is seen to be explaining something m dumb shozi' to Lady Pinkney.) Mrs. Bevis. Mr. Samways. (Goes t<< Samways and is seen to be ques- tioning him.) Julia. (Full of curiosity: beckons to Stil- lingfleet. draws him down stage away from the others.) Do tell me! What have you explained to him about me? Still, (glancing cautiously round at the other couples, whispers.) Nothing! Julia. (Surprised.) Nothing? Still. (Same caution, same whisper.) Be- lieve me. my dear Julia, there wasn't, there isn't and there never will be anything to explain ! (Presses her hand.) Enter, left, Trixie followed by Teddy, both in act in WHITEWASHING JULIA 125 evening dress. The three couples disengage themselves. Teddy. (A little bashfully.) I've brought Miss Blenkinsop back to dinner Lady P. My dear Trixie ! I'm delighted. Teddy. What's going on? eh, Bevis? Bevis. Nothing, Teddy! — Nothing! a little family party — that's all ! Enter Griggs, left. Griggs. Dinner is served, my Lady. (Exit Griggs.) Lady P. Teddy, will you take Miss Blenkin- sop? Mr. Samways (indicating), Mrs. Bevis. Bevis, you'd like to take in Mrs. Wren. Bill (Calling him to her. The couples arrange themselves, the men giving their arms.) Still. There! What did I always tell you? Now are you satisfied ? Lady P. Oh, if Bevis is satisfied, I am more than satisfied ! (Bevis is taking Julia past Lady Pinkney as she speaks; Lady Pixkxey stops her and kisses her.) Then everything is ex- plained ? Still. Everything ! (Takes Julia's hand as she passes him and kisses it. Gives his arm to Lady Pixkxey.) . (Owing to the difficulty of striking and setting the scene, the Epilogue is omitted in representation.) EPILOGUE Seventeen months ".'tween Act III. and the Epilogue. Additional characters in the Epilogue: Mr. Elkixgton. The Mayor of Shaxctonbcry, etc. r26 THE EPILOGUE Scene — The Refreshment Tent in the grounds of the Bishop's Palace at Shanctonbury on the day of the annual bazaar and fete in aid of the curates' fund. Two years later than the first act. The tent is the same in construction, with the recessed opening at back, and the opening on the left side. The counter is now set along the back and is handsomely draped. The refreshments present a great contrast to the meagre supply of the first act. There are large heaped plates of strawberries and other fruits; sandwiches, sweets and other dainty little dishes, interspersed with handsome bouquets of cut flowers. Seats and stools in front of counter. Down stage, right centre, a small table with refreshments, at which is seated Samways with a large glass of mineral water in front of him ; he is smoking a cigarette and looking over a legal document. At times he turns and listens to the conversation and shows great interest therein, punctuating the remarks with appropriate ges- tures, nods, etc., expressive of his own opinion on the subject. Beside the refreshment counter are discovered Julia, in a very pretty afternoon toilet, and Stillingfleet ; she is serving the refreshments and he is helping her. In front of the counter are Mrs. Chaytor, Mrs. Bevis, Miss Fewings and Bevis. Meade and Charlie Dobbs 127 128 WHITEWASHING JULIA En. are assisting Julia and Stillingfleet in the cleaning plates, etc., in respective corners of the tent. As curtain goes up the scene is very animated, and all the six people at the counter are chattering and laughing together. A band is playing in the distance. Miss F. (To Julia.) My dear Mrs. Still- ingfleet, what delicious tea you always provide! Mrs. Bevis. Yes, Julia, I must congratulate you on the charming way in which you have done the refreshments Julia (glancing mischievously fit Stilling- fleet). We heard that there had been grave complaints about the refreshments in former years, so I determined to run it on different lines. Mrs. C. Oh, Julia. Sir William Butser, the great South American geologist, insists on meet- ing you at dinner one night. Can you make it next week? JULIA, I don't think I can — can I, Will? We're full up every night. Mrs. Bevis. Julia, you won't forget the meet- ing on Thursday — I have a special message for you from papa — he won't make an effort to con- quer his gout unless he's quite sure you'll be there. Julia. Tell the dear Bishop I'm sure to be there to support him. Still. Julia, don't forget Mrs. Galer. Julia. Oh, I'd forgotten. Charlie! epi. WHITEWASHING JULIA 129 Charlie. (Charlie in smart page's costume steps forward.) Yes, ma'am. Julia (selecting a very choice dish of strawber- ries). Take this to Mrs. Galer and say that Mrs. Stillingfleet has sent them, and hopes that she and the new baby are going on well. Charlie. (Takes the dish of strawberries.) Yes, ma'am. (Exit Charlie at back.) Julia. Poor Mrs. Galer ! Pier tenth ! Still. What a knack some people have of repeating the worst mistakes of their youth! Bevis. How much better it is to be guided by the experience gained from our past follies ! Still. How much better still never to commit any folly at all ; to be always wise and judicious like you. eh. Bevis? {Giving him a nudge.) Bevis. I can't say I have never committed any folly or mistake Still. Oh, I think you might Bevis. But I can honestly say that my past mistakes have really improved my character. Still. Ah, now, there's the danger with a character like yours. You'll go on improving it until it becomes a standing menace to all your neighbours. — For the sake of us poor every-day sinners don't — don't improve your character any further. Bevis. (Plaintively, noticing that Stilling- fleet and Sam ways are chuckling at him.) I 1 130 WHITEWASHING JULIA epi. wish you wouldn't jest about these things. (Tak- ing out watch.) It's half-past four ! My brother and his wife ought to be here. Julia. Hasn't anybody gone to the station to meet them ? Bevis. Oh yes, Lord and Lady Pinkney and the Blenkinsonps — Oh! (A peal of bells ringing out.) They have arrived! Mrs. Chay. (looking off). Yes, there they are! They're just getting out of the carriage! Mrs. Bevis. How very brown and well Trixie looks. Miss F. And so does Mr. Pinkney, doesn't he ? We must go and congratulate them. (Exit Miss Fewings and Mrs. Bevis.) Mrs. C. Aren't you coming, Julia? Julia. In a moment — as soon as I can leave my stall. (Exit Mrs. Chaytor.) Still. Come along, Bevis — we'll go and wel- come the happy couple. Bevis. Yes, I believe marriage will really im- prove Teddy. Still. Ah ! But he'll never come up to your standard. (Exit Stillingfleet left. Julia and Meade arc occupied at back. Julia sends off Meade.) Bevis. (Is following Stillingfleet off, re- turns to Sam ways.) In spite of my uncle's un- epi. WHITEWASHING JULIA 131 seemly ridicule, I'm sure you don't misunder- stand my character, Samways. (Samways cor- dially grasps him by the hand.) That little mis- take of mine has really improved me, I think? (Samways again cordially grasps his hand.) Bevis. Thank you. (Shaking hands. Exit left.) Enter Lady Pinkney at back. Lady P. Ah, Julia. Teddy and Trixie have returned, and, of course, you were the first friend whom they asked for. Julia. I'll run over to them. Will you look after my stall for a moment ? Lady P. Certainly. Ah, my dear Julia — (Beginning to cry a little.) When I remember that I owe all my happiness to you Julia. No, dear Lady Pinkney Lady P. Yes, dear. It's you who have brought about this happy marriage — (Crying a little. ) I can never repay you ! Julia. Don't mention it. I owe quite as much to you for having cleared me of all that wretched slander. (Kisses Lady Pinkney and exit.) Samways. (Jumps up from his table.) And I must go and pay my respects to the bride and bridegroom. Lady P. I hear vou have let The Elms 132 WHITEWASHING JULIA epl Samways. Yes — to a Mr. Elkinsrton. Ah! '&' Mr. Elkixgtox enters left, a very staid, sober, solid, stolid, res pee table upper middle-class Eng- lishman about fifty. Mr. E. You have prepared the lease? Samways. Yes, I brought it with me as time presses. Mr. P.. Thank you. Now there is just that one little question to be considered Sam \v.\- i h yes — perhaps I'd better intro- duce you to Lady Pinkney. Lady Pinkney, may I present Mr. Elkington, who has taken The Elms? Lady P. How d'ye do? Mr. E. How d'ye do? ! . \:>v P. I'm pleased to find we shall have you a neighbour Mr. E. Yes — it is almost settled — but — (Hesitating.) there is one rather delicate matter Lady P. Yes Mr. E. If we take The Elms, our only near neighbours will be Mr. and Mrs. Stillingfleet at the Mount Lady P. Yes Mr. E. (Embarrassed.) Could I have a cup of tea? epl WHITEWASHING JULIA 133 Lady P. By all means. Do you like it strong or weak ? Mr. E. Medium — quite medium. Mrs. Stil- Hncrfleet Lady P. Yes- Mr. E. You will excuse my broaching this — {Glancing at Sam ways.) Sam ways (coming to the rescue). Mr. Elk- ington has heard of those silly rumours Lady P. Oh — is that all? Now. my dear Mr. Elkington, ask me any question you please about Mrs. Stillingtleet — I shall be delighted to answer. (Handing cup of tea.) Mr. E. Thank you. No sugar, thank you. A little more milk — thank you. My wife is anxious to know Lady P. Mrs. Elkington is not with you? Mr. E. No — she is suffering from an obscure form of gouty dyspepsia, which disables her for :he moment. But her mind is unusually active. My wife, I may mention, is the only daughter of Mr. Beecher-Sprowston Lady P. Beecher-Sprowston ? Mr. E. The eminent philanthropist who had all his windows smashed on account of his ad- vanced morality Lady P. I understood it was because he said something in public that reflected on a lady ■ Mr. E. Yes, it's the same thing. He was a 134 WHITEWASHING JULIA epl little violent in his methods, but he was a true re- former. And being the daughter of Beecher- Sprowston my wife is naturally anxious about our neighbours at the Mount. Lady P. Well? Mr. E. Was Mrs. Wren married — there was a foreign Royal Duke Lady P. The Duke of Savona. Oh yes — it was a morganatic marriage. Mr. E. Indeed! Lady P. Not a formal morganatic marriage, but something quite equivalent to it. Mr. E. Oh! I'm very glad to hear that she was really married to the Duke. Lady P. Oh yes. We inquired thoroughly into the whole matter. Of course the law relat- ing to morganatic marriages is in a perfect chaos, isn't it? (Appealing to Sam ways.) Sam ways. Shocking! Shocking! Somebody will have to take it in hand and unravel it ! Mr. E. And this morganatic marriage? Lady P. Mrs. Wren never went out of her way to prove her rights in a court of law — that would have been undignified. Sam ways. Most undignified! Lady P. She rather allowed people to hint and gossip and sneer. (To Sam ways.) Perhaps she ought to have asserted her claim ? epi. WHITEWASHING JULIA 13S Samways. Well — you see — the law being as it is Lady P. Yes, she acted wisely in keeping silence. Oh, she behaved admirably throughout — Though she had great provocation. The Duchess of Savona was a very disagreeable per- son — her treatment had a great deal to do with the poor Duke's early end. Mr. E. Indeed! I thought he died of Ger- man measles. Lady P. Accelerated by his wife's treatment. German measles alone would never have taken off a fine handsome man like that. Oh, no! You may assure Mrs. Elkington that you will have most delightful neighbours at the Mount. Mrs. Stillingfleet is, as she has always been, above reproach in every way. And Mr. Stillingfleet is of course my brother. Mr. E. Your brother ? ! Pray forgive me. I had no idea Lady P. Oh, I'm very glad to have reassured you about our dear Julia. Mr. E. (To Sam ways.) You should have told me that Mr. Stillingfleet was Lady Pinkney's brother ! Sam ways. I thought you knew it! Lady P. (looking off). Here are my newly married son and daughter — (Looking off.) They have just returned from their honeymoon. 136 WHITEWASHING JULIA epi. Mr. E. (Very inquisitively and mysteriously to Sam ways. ) But wasn't there some story about a puff-box ? Sam ways. Hush! The puff-box was a myth ! A pure myth ! A slander ! Mr. E. Was it? What a dreadful world we live in ! How full of scandal ! Enter, left, Trixie and Teddy in travelling dress, very lovingly, followed by Bevis and Mrs. Bevis, Mrs. Chaytor, Miss Fewings, the Mayor of Siianctonbury in *robes, and a croud of others. Enter at back Julia and Stillingfleet. (They all begin chattering and clamour- ing for tea. Band and urdding bells outside.) UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. rm L9-100m-9, , 52(A3105)444 Jones - \27~~ Julia SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBWRYFAC AA 000 383 757 PR UB27 *<5S